MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of directing no less than two antisemitic assaults in Australia and stated the nation is slicing off diplomatic relations with Iran.
Albanese stated that Australian intelligence companies had related Iran to assaults on a Sydney restaurant and a Melbourne synagogue.
Shortly earlier than the announcement, the Australian authorities instructed Iran’s ambassador to Australia that he will likely be expelled. It additionally withdrew Australian diplomats posted in Iran to a 3rd nation, Albanese stated.
There was a steep rise in antisemitic occasions within the two cities because the Israel-Hamas conflict started in 2023.
“ASIO has gathered sufficient credible intelligence to succeed in a deeply disturbing conclusion. The Iranian authorities directed no less than two of those assaults. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement however ASIO assesses it was behind the assaults,” Albanese instructed reporters, referring to the principle home spy company.
Australia will legislate to checklist Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group, Albanese stated.
“These have been extraordinary and harmful acts of aggression orchestrated by a overseas nation on Australian soil,” Albanese stated.
“They have been makes an attempt to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our group. It’s completely unacceptable,” he added.
CORRECTION: A earlier model of this text incorrectly recognized the goal of Iran’s alleged assault in Melbourne.
