Australia has severed diplomatic ties with Iran over antisemitic attacks orchestrated by the Iranian government. According to the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, Tehran backed an arson attack on a kosher food company in Sydney and another at a synagogue in Melbourne, injuring one congregant.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described these acts as “extraordinary and dangerous aggression” directed against Australia’s social cohesion. He ordered the expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi within seven days, closed the Australian Embassy in Tehran, and urged all Australian citizens to consider leaving Iran if safe.
The move is also seen as a push for legislation to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Australia has resisted such designations before but its allies, including the US and Canada, have already deemed the IRGC a terrorist group.
Iran denied allegations, calling them “influenced by internal developments,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Albanese’s decision to cut ties with Iran. The situation highlights tensions between Australia, Israel, and Iran over antisemitism and regional issues.
In related news, France is facing a looming no-confidence vote over a contentious budget proposal aimed at reducing the country’s high deficit. Meanwhile, Pakistan is bracing for potential flooding after neighboring India warned of cross-border water release from its overflowing Madhopur Dam.
Source: https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/26/australia-diplomatic-ties-iran-antisemitic-arson-attacks-expel-ambassador-irgc