CANBERRA – In a significant diplomatic escalation, the Australian government has officially expelled the Iranian ambassador, accusing Tehran of directing two anti-Semitic arson attacks that recently occurred in Sydney and Melbourne. The move, which marks a severe rupture in bilateral relations, has been met with a furious denial and condemnation from Iran, raising the prospect of retaliatory measures.
The Australian Foreign Minister announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that intelligence and law enforcement agencies had uncovered "credible and deeply disturbing" evidence linking operatives directed by the Iranian government to the attacks.
"The Australian government will not tolerate foreign interference, especially when it manifests in violent acts targeting a specific community within our country," the Foreign Minister stated in a press conference. "To have a foreign government directing attacks on Australian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty and a threat to the safety of all Australians. As a consequence, we have informed the Iranian ambassador that his appointment is terminated and that he must leave the country within 48 hours."
The decision follows intense investigations into recent firebombing incidents that targeted a Jewish community center in Melbourne and a synagogue in Sydney. While the attacks caused significant property damage, they did not result in any casualties but succeeded in spreading fear and alarm throughout Australia's Jewish community.
Tehran responded swiftly and angrily to the accusations. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson immediately dismissed the claims as "baseless, absurd, and politically motivated," labeling the expulsion a "hostile and unconstructive act."
In a statement released by state media, the spokesperson declared that Iran "categorically denies any involvement in the alleged incidents and condemns Australia's provocative decision." The statement further noted that Iran "reserves the right to take reciprocal action," signaling that Australia's ambassador in Tehran will likely be expelled in a tit-for-tat move.
This diplomatic fallout occurs against a backdrop of heightened international tensions involving Iran, its nuclear program, and its role in conflicts across the Middle East. Western nations have frequently accused Iran of sponsoring proxy groups and conducting covert operations abroad—a charge that Tehran consistently denies. This incident marks one of the most direct accusations of such activities leveled by Australia.
The expulsion is the most severe diplomatic rupture between Canberra and Tehran in years. With the primary channel for direct communication now severed, the future of the relationship remains uncertain as both nations navigate this serious escalation.
