In a coordinated response, Australia has expelled the Iranian ambassador and three other diplomats. This move follows the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) announcing that Iran had carried out at least two antisemitic terrorist attacks on its territory. These incidents, which targeted the Adass Israel Synagogue and Lewis’ Continental Kitchen, have prompted widespread condemnation and a reevaluation of diplomatic relations between Australia and Iran.
These Iranian attacks, attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were carried out in October and December of 2022. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Iran’s actions represent “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression” aimed at undermining Australian societal cohesion. He noted that Iran and its proxies “literally and figuratively lit the matches and fanned the flames” of these attacks.
In reaction to these humiliations, the Australian government has withdrawn all personnel from its embassy in Tehran. At the same time, they have instructed all Australian diplomats in the country to depart immediately. Even more possible now than before IRGC to be designated as terrorist organization while appropriate legislation is still needed.
Details of the Attacks
The IRGC had a significant hand in planning the Adass Israel Synagogue assault. They created this participation via a matrix of intermediaries, often referred to as “cut-outs.” These intermediaries helped to coordinate communications between the IRGC and the actors prosecuting the attacks. In a recent speech, ASIO’s director-general, Mike Burgess, described the highly opaque structure of the IRGC. This arrangement allows them to direct violence and keep their hands bloody but clean.
“It’s a layer cake of cut-outs between IRGC and … the alleged perpetrators conducting crimes. In between them, they tap into a number of people, agents of IRGC, and people that they know in the criminal world, and work through there,” – Mike Burgess
The Adass arson attack was – never confirmed – said to have been connected to three attackers, with at least two of them arrested. In July, police arrested a 21-year-old Werribee man in connection with the incident. At the same time, a 20-year-old man from Meadow Heights has been charged in the arson case. ASIO is still looking into possible Iranian involvement in further antisemitic attacks around the rest of Australia.
Inappropriate formal assessments by ASIO have dragged on for weeks as analysts carefully comb through suppress each individual morsel of intelligence. Burgess echoed those findings in no uncertain terms, laying the blame at the door of Iran for contributing to the rise of domestic terrorism.
“Formal assessments are not done quickly or taken lightly. Our analysts carefully weigh every piece of intelligence. Their conclusions are clear,” – Mike Burgess
Government Response
The Australian federal government has responded very strong to these disclosures. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan at the time announced that Iran’s terrorism sponsorship in Australia is “completely unacceptable.” More troubling, she said, is the damage this does to the social fabric of the country. As Allan stated, attacks on the Muslim community are attacks on all Australians.
“When you inflict hurt and pain on one, you inflict it on all. This attack was not just an attack on Victoria’s Jewish community, it was an attack on all Victorians,” – Jacinta Allan
Opposition members have echoed these sentiments. Sussan Ley described the incidents as “one of the most egregious acts of foreign interference against our nation,” aligning with calls for strong action against Iran’s influence. Ley made clear that no Australian should be afraid or persecuted for their religion.
“We are all disgusted to learn of the serious and chilling foreign interference which has been perpetrated … All Australians have a right to practice their faith free from persecution, free from violence and free from fear,” – Sussan Ley
Andrew Hastie further asserted that such foreign sponsorship of terrorism crosses a crucial line, stating, “It’s absolutely unacceptable for a foreign government to be sponsoring terrorism on Australian soil.”
Community Impact and Reactions
The Iranian-Australian community has been vocally outraged by the IRGC’s alleged activities within Australia. As Senator Penny Wong pointed out, many of these community members have been aware for years, having always suspected Iranian state agents of an increase in antisemitic attacks.
“For years now the Iranian-Australian community and other victims of the IRGC, including myself, have been literally screaming … that Iranian agents are operating brazenly and with few consequences here on Australian soil,” – Penny Wong
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann powerfully illustrated the toll that these attacks have taken on interfaith relationships in Australia. As he noted, in the process they have undermined cultural social harmony. He said it was an “incredibly traumatic period” for most Australians.
“Ultimately, it’s an extremely shocking time, it has affected our cohesions over here, it has affected community relationships here in Australia,” – Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann
Our admiration goes to the Australian government for standing up robustly to Iranian officials. This is a major change in the way that Australia is responding to foreign interference and domestic terrorism on its territory.
