Australia Expels Iranian Envoy Over Government-Linked Antisemitic Attacks

Australia has expelled Iran's ambassador following credible intelligence from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) that the Iranian government orchestrated antisemitic attacks on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned these acts as extraordinary and dangerous aggression by a foreign nation on Australian soil, aimed at undermining social cohesion and sowing discord within the community. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess revealed that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was behind at least these two attacks and possibly others, using proxies to conceal its involvement. In response, Australia has suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and relocated its diplomats to a third country for safety. Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Australians to avoid traveling to Iran and advised those currently there to leave if safe. The Australian government is also moving to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization as part of its strong and decisive action against these attacks.