MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia is severing diplomatic ties with Iran. The decision follows accusations that Iran orchestrated antisemitic arson attacks within Australia.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) has determined that the Iranian government was behind the arson at Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher business in Sydney, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which took place in late 2023.
Iran has categorically denied these allegations.
Intelligence Insights on Foreign Influence
Australia has witnessed a notable increase in antisemitic activities in major cities, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023. Authorities suspect foreign influences may be funding local criminals to carry out these acts.
In connection with the Sydney café fire, police have apprehended a suspect, while in Melbourne, two individuals face charges for the synagogue fire.
Sydney resident Sayed Mohammed Moosawi, previously linked to the Nomads biker gang, has been implicated in directing these attacks, including the misdirected attack on Curly Lewis Brewery.
In Melbourne, Giovanni Laulu was charged for his involvement in the synagogue arson, while another suspect is due in court shortly.
Prime Minister Albanese stated, “ASIO has now gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks.”
Diplomatic Repercussions
In response, Australia has expelled Iran’s Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and recalled its diplomats from Iran. Australians in Iran have been advised to consider leaving due to heightened risks of detention.
Travel advisories have been updated to the highest level, urging citizens not to visit Iran.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that while some diplomatic channels remain open, this marks a historic expulsion of an ambassador, a first since WWII.
Legislative Measures Against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Albanese announced plans to classify Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist entity, a significant shift in policy. This would criminalize support for the Guard under Australian law.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry expressed support for this decision, condemning the attacks as deliberate and destructive acts targeting Jewish Australians.
Iran’s Response and Wider Implications
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei dismissed the accusations, suggesting they were linked to Australia’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state, a move criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Analysts like Michael Shoebridge argue that Australia’s decision is driven by domestic concerns over community safety rather than international pressure.
Antisemitic Incidents and Iranian Involvement
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess clarified that no Iranian diplomats in Australia were involved. He mentioned, “This was directed by the IRGC through a series of overseas cut-out facilitators to coordinators that found their way to tasking Australians.”
Burgess highlighted that while antisemitic incidents have risen since the Israel-Hamas conflict, Iran’s involvement dates back to attacks in October 2023, marking a shift towards more direct violence against communities.
