Iran was behind at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil late last year, Anthony Albanese has announced.
The prime minister said Australia’s intelligence agencies have determined Iran was behind the attacks on the Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 20 2024, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on December 6.
“ASIO assesses it’s likely Iran directed further attacks as well,” he said.
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“These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.
They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community.”
Australia has notified Iran’s Ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, that he is expelled from the country.
Operations have been suspended at the Australian embassy in Tehran, and all foreign diplomats are safe in a third country.
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Albanese also announced that he would legislate to list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation.
“The Australian people want two things; they want killing in the Middle East to stop, and they don’t want conflict in the Middle East brought here,” he said.
“Iran has sought to do just that. They have sought to harm and terrorise Jewish Australians and sow hatred and division in our community.
“The actions of my government send a clear message, a message to all Australians that we stand against antisemitism, and we stand against violence.”
More to come.
