The Australian government has expelled Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, escalating tensions in diplomatic relations with Iran. This significant action follows revelations from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Mike Burgess, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), regarding Iran’s involvement in directing two antisemitic attacks in Australia. The incidents occurred at the Adass Synagogue in Melbourne and the Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney.
This expulsion represents a considerable shift in the diplomatic landscape, as diplomatic expulsions are exceptionally rare. According to a 2022 Parliamentary Library research paper, Australia has only expelled a handful of diplomats over the past four decades, primarily from Russia, Iraq, and Syria, due to allegations of espionage. Notably, Albanese stated that this marks the first time in the postwar period that Australia has expelled an ambassador outright.
By expelling Sadeghi and three other Iranian officials, the Australian government has bypassed traditional diplomatic steps, opting for a decisive action that underscores the severity of the antisemitism crisis in the country. Burgess emphasized the seriousness of the intelligence that prompted this move, indicating that Iran had connections with third parties and criminal organizations linked to these antisemitic attacks. He further noted that investigations into Iran’s involvement in other incidents are ongoing.
The government’s actions reflect a genuine commitment to combat antisemitism, despite facing criticism from various sectors, including some within the Jewish community and the opposition. Concerns about foreign interference in Australian society have intensified in recent years, leading to stronger laws introduced by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull aimed at addressing these issues. In his speeches, Burgess has highlighted that espionage and foreign interference have become Australia’s primary security concerns.
The significance of expelling a chief diplomat cannot be understated. This strong stance sends a clear message not only to Iran but also to other nations like China and Russia engaged in foreign interference. Australia may be geographically distant from the Middle East, but the Iranian influence operations serve as a reminder that the country is on the frontline of foreign interference challenges.
Australia has a small Iranian diaspora of approximately 85,000 people, many of whom oppose the current regime in Iran. While the expulsion may not have immediate economic repercussions, its symbolic value is profound. It demonstrates Australia’s resolve in addressing antisemitism and foreign meddling, reinforcing the government’s narrative of safeguarding national integrity.
As this situation unfolds, the Iranian embassy has been given seven days to vacate the country. The expulsion of Sadeghi marks a pivotal moment in Australian foreign policy, illustrating a determined effort to confront antisemitism and foreign interference head-on.
