Australia expelled its first ambassador since World War II, ordering the Iranian diplomat to leave the country after intelligence services concluded that Tehran had directed at least two antisemitic attacks.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) found that the Iranian government was behind arson attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher food company, in Sydney in October 2024, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December that year.
Iran’s Ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadeghi was expelled in response.
“These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement on Tuesday, August 26.
“They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable.”
An alert to Australians in Iran noted the embassy’s closure and urged them to “strongly consider leaving as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so.”
“Foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest,” the warning read.
Australia updated its warning to travelers to its highest level: “Do not travel” to Iran.
This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
This article uses reporting by The Associated Press.
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