Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision on August 26, 2025, describing the incidents as 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.'
This is the first time since World War II that Australia has taken the step of expelling an ambassador. Operations at Australia's embassy in Tehran were also suspended.
The attacks, which took place in late 2024, targeted two key Jewish institutions. In October, a kosher restaurant, Lewis Continental Kitchen, in Bondi, Sydney, was firebombed. Two months later, in December, a fire was deliberately set at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.
Although both incidents caused significant property damage, no lives were lost.
According to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), investigations revealed that Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) orchestrated the attacks through multiple layers of intermediaries, including local criminal networks.
This method was designed to conceal Tehran's role while destabilising Australia's Jewish community and undermining social cohesion.
In response, the Australian government declared the IRGC a terrorist organisation, expelled four Iranian diplomats, including Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, and gave them one week to leave the country. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised that such measures were both necessary and proportionate, while a national travel warning was issued advising Australians not to travel to Iran.
The executive body of Australian Jewry condemned the attacks as a direct assault on the Jewish community and on the sovereignty of Australia. Israel's embassy in Canberra welcomed the firm stance, stressing that Iran's activities represented a threat that extended well beyond the Middle East.
The revelations come at a time of rising antisemitism in Australia, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Jewish institutions have reported a surge in threats, vandalism, and violent incidents, making the arson attacks part of a broader climate of fear.
ASIO's report detailed how Iranian proxies used encrypted communications, cryptocurrency transfers, and covert recruitment networks to organise and finance the attacks.
Investigators said the sophistication of the plot underscored Iran's intent to destabilise Australia's domestic security.
The Australian government stressed that its response sends a clear message that hostile acts directed by foreign powers against communities in Australia will not be tolerated.
Rania Umutoni
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/australia-expels-iranian-ambassador-over-antisemitic-arson-attacks
