Australia Accuses Iran Of Being Involved In Anti-July Attacks, Ambassador Tehran Is Asked To Lift His Suitcase

Australia accused Iran of being involved in two arson attacks related to antisemites in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Australia asked Tehran's ambassadors to leave their country within 7 days.

Since the Israeli-Gaza war began in October 2023, homes, schools, synagoges, and vehicles in Australia have been targeted by vandalism and antisemite burning. In addition, Islamophobic incidents have soared.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) had gathered credible intelligence information regarding Iran as the director of at least two attacks.

"This is an extraordinary and dangerous act of aggression masterminded by foreign countries on Australian soil," Albanese told a news conference.

"This is an attempt to undermine social cohesion and cause division in our community," continued Albanese.

Iran, according to the Australian PM, tried to cover up its involvement in last year's attack on a cosher restaurant in Sydney and Israel's Sinagoga Adass in Melbourne. No injuries were reported in the attack.

Australia's Security Administration said it was likely Iran had directed further attacks, Albanese said, saying Australia had suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and all of its diplomats were safe in third countries.

The Australian government will designate the Tehran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Penny Wong said Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three Iranian officials had seven days to leave, in the expulsion of Australia's first envoy since the Second World War.

"Iran's actions are completely unacceptable," he said.

The IRGC directs people in Australia to commit crimes, said Mike totaling, director general of the security agency.

"They only use tools, including criminals and organized crime gang members to carry out their orders or direct their orders."