Iran has pledged to take retaliatory action following Australia’s decision to expel its ambassador over allegations that Tehran played a role in antisemitic arson incidents in Sydney and Melbourne. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, dismissed the accusations during a press conference, emphasizing that any unwarranted diplomatic actions would be met with a corresponding response.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asserted that Iran was responsible for setting fire to a kosher cafe in Sydney’s Bondi area in October 2024 and orchestrating a significant arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December of the same year. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from these incidents.
In response, Australia designated Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi as “persona non grata” and mandated his departure along with three other officials within a week. Additionally, Australia recalled its ambassador to Iran and halted embassy operations in Tehran, which had been established in 1968.
Baqaei suggested that these actions by Australia might be influenced by internal factors, such as recent demonstrations against Israel’s activities in Gaza. He implied that the expulsion could be an attempt by Australia to offset its perceived lack of criticism towards the Israeli government.