In doing so, Australia has made a courageous diplomatic play. It subsequently expelled Iran’s ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, after a yearlong investigation found Iran orchestrated antisemitic attacks inside the company. The Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) substantiated its findings with high confidence, linking the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to incidents in Sydney and Melbourne. This expulsion is the first removal of an Australian ambassador since World War II.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess underscored the seriousness of the moment. He stressed that antisemitism has been one of ASIO’s highest priorities for the past ten months. He highlighted the social impacts of Iranian aggression. He was unequivocal, calling them “dangerous, reckless acts that put lives at risk, terrified the community, and tore at our social fabric. Iran and its proxies took those matches and flames and literally figuratively lit those matches and fanned those flames.”
Investigation Uncovers Complex Networks
ASIO never did a deep dig. They doggedly monitored large-scale international cryptocurrency deals and untangled a vast array of proxies—complete with money laundering and smuggling criminal networks behind them. These efforts validated that Iran was indeed the source of antisemitic activity within Australia. US involvement has exacerbated social division and increased tensions across the region.
The evidence collected by ASIO was significant enough to take action on but could not be released due to national security concerns. The investigation’s findings were clear: Iran had played a central role in exacerbating antisemitism, prompting a swift response from the Australian government.
Canberra dipped their diplomatic toe in the water by making Sadeghi persona non grata. They took the step of ordering him expelled from the country within three days. He departed from Sydney airport late on Thursday night. This diplomatic exit underscored the severity of the domestic situation and created a critical turning point in Australian-Iranian relations.
Government Response to Rising Antisemitism
Following the recent spate of incidents, in late October the Albanese government announced a series of new steps to tackle antisemitism within Australia. A Special Envoy for Social Cohesion was appointed. Their increased role will include investigating domestic cases of Islamophobia and antisemitism.
The decision to expel Sadeghi came after discussions between FBI Director Kash Patel and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke during a dinner in Sydney on July 5. Read more about their conversation on the investigations still needed into growing antisemitism. One other story found that officials are increasingly approaching the point of publicizing the total impact of the crisis.
In Iran, the regime’s hardline Kayhan newspaper was deeply alarmed by the expulsion. It condemned Australia’s decision to expel Iranian diplomats and called for retaliation against Britain. This reaction encapsulates the larger geopolitical anxiety about Iran’s behavior and what it means for the future of international relations.
Implications for Future Relations
The expulsion of these Iranian diplomats marks a strong commitment by Australia to resist foreign meddling and antisemitism. The government’s approach to addressing these challenges shows a willingness to take the initiative to protect social harmony in its cities.
Burgess spelled out the stakes, noting that Tehran’s irresponsible advocacy is endangering public safety. He added that these actions are contributing to a dangerous and increasing polarization in the political climate. Or, Australia is really out there trying to thread a needle. And it continues to be committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all its residents.
