Australian diplomats have left Tehran for a third country as Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador over allegations of attacks against Jewish communities, Asr-e Iran reported on August 26.
The Australian government simultaneously recalled its diplomats from Tehran as it ordered the expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi.
Britain’s Guardian initially reported that Australian embassy diplomats in Iran departed Tehran for a third country in recent days before Australia announced the Iranian ambassador’s expulsion.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced allegations of “attacks against Jewish communities” against Iran, citing claims by Australia’s intelligence service that Iran conducted at least two attacks against Australia’s Jewish community. This prompted the Australian government’s decision to expel Iran’s ambassador.
Australia accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of orchestrating antisemitic attacks, including the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue and an arson attack on a Sydney delicatessen.
The mutual withdrawal of diplomatic personnel effectively suspends normal diplomatic relations between the two countries. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has rejected the allegations and described Australia’s actions as an “anti-diplomacy” measure.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei noted on August 26: “Naturally, any inappropriate diplomatic action will face a reaction. This incident just happened and our colleagues are reviewing the matter and an appropriate decision on how to respond will be taken.”
The spokesman said Iran would determine its response to Australia’s diplomatic action, which included expelling Iran’s ambassador and withdrawing Australian diplomatic staff from Tehran over alleged Iranian involvement in antisemitic attacks.