Australia Expels Iranian Diplomats Amid Rising Antisemitism
Australia has expelled Iranian diplomats and suspended embassy operations, citing credible intelligence linking Iran to antisemitic attacks in major cities.
Overview
Australia expelled Iranian diplomats, including the ambassador, marking a historic diplomatic action since World War II.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of orchestrating antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, causing significant damage.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation revealed credible intelligence connecting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to these attacks.
In response, Australia plans to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
The actions come amid a rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia, linked to Iran following the 2023 Israel-Hamas war.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by prominently featuring the Australian government's strong accusations against Iran, using authoritative voices to establish Iran as a hostile actor. They emphasize the severity of the alleged attacks and reinforce a negative image of Iran through contextual details, while Iran's denials are often presented with less prominence or with subtle undermining language.
Sources (28)
Center (7)
FAQ
Australia accused Iran of directing arson attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher food company in Sydney, and on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in late 2024.
Australia expelled Iranian diplomats, including the ambassador, suspended embassy operations, and announced plans to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
ASIO gathered credible intelligence concluding that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed the antisemitic arson attacks, which was central to Australia's decision to expel diplomats and sever diplomatic ties.
There has been a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023, with foreign actors suspected of paying local criminals to carry out attacks.
Iran denied the allegations through its Foreign Ministry spokesman, suggesting the accusations were a response to Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state and criticism of Israel.
History
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