Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Australian academic once imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges, criticizes ongoing collaborations between Australian universities and Iranian officials. She describes universities as a ‘soft underbelly’ exploited by Iran to extend its influence abroad.
Controversial Academic Collaboration
Moore-Gilbert points to a journal article co-authored by Australian National University (ANU) staff member Farid Rahimi and former Iranian Vice President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif. Titled ‘Reviving Iran’s Science Diplomacy: New Horizons Opened by President Pezeshkian,’ the piece appeared in an Iranian state academic journal in early 2025.
The article urges Western governments to ease sanctions on Tehran. Moore-Gilbert notes it carries an ANU byline and appears in the university’s research output portal.
‘This seems to be an example of soft power foreign influence par excellence,’ Moore-Gilbert stated. ‘Both ANU and the Australian security agencies must investigate the academic concerned. How does he have access to the former Iranian foreign minister? How was it that they came to co-author an article together which advances Tehran’s agenda on sanctions under the guise of scholarly research?’
Broader Concerns in Australian Academia
Moore-Gilbert warns these incidents represent just ‘the tip of the iceberg’ in Iran’s efforts. ‘As any academic who touches on Iran will tell you, this sort of thing is just the tip of the iceberg,’ she said. ‘Universities are the soft underbelly, and continuing to do nothing about foreign interference and transnational repression is no longer an option.’
Similar issues arise elsewhere. Political economist Tim Anderson, dismissed from the University of Sydney in 2019, featured in an Iranian state TV video praising Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of global oil flows. Anderson claimed, ‘The Strait is not closed, it has a new regulatory regime,’ and noted shipping insurance acceptance of the changes.
The University of Sydney faced criticism in 2024 for pro-Palestine rallies reportedly infiltrated by Hizb ut-Tahrir, now a prohibited group. The vice-chancellor defended not closing encampments, as the group was not yet banned.
University Responses and Government Guidance
University of New South Wales Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research Dane McCamey emailed staff warning against unapproved collaborations with researchers from Iran, Russia, Belarus, and North Korea. He emphasized compliance with Australian government expectations on sanctions.
‘It is critical that UNSW is aware of all engagement… to prevent activities that contravene existing sanctions,’ McCamey wrote. Ignoring instructions could lead to ‘serious consequences,’ including criminal charges.
A Group of Eight spokesperson, representing universities including ANU, confirms ongoing reviews of international ties. ‘Universities have been asked to investigate institution-to-institution relationships, and the universities are doing their due diligence,’ the spokesperson said. The group commits to national security and government cooperation.
ANU acknowledges the allegations and is investigating. The named individual is a non-academic staff member, and initial checks suggest no link to their university role. ANU follows government guidance on Iran, including recent Prime Minister statements, and collaborates with agencies like DFAT to counter foreign interference risks. The university denies lobbying for any foreign government.
