Iran has pledged to respond in kind following Australia’s expulsion of its ambassador, amid accusations that Tehran orchestrated antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei vehemently denied the allegations on Tuesday, August 26, stating, “The accusation that has been made is absolutely rejected. Any inappropriate and unjustified action on a diplomatic level will receive a reciprocal response.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier blamed Iran for torching a kosher café in Sydney’s Bondi suburb in October 2024 and a significant arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue in December. While both incidents caused property damage, no injuries were reported. In retaliation, Canberra declared Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi “persona non grata,” ordering him and three other Iranian officials to leave Australia within seven days. Australia also withdrew its ambassador from Tehran and suspended operations at its embassy, which had been active since 1968.
Baqaei suggested that Australia’s move was influenced by domestic politics, including protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. He told reporters, “It seems this action was taken to compensate for the limited criticism the Australian side has directed at the Zionist regime.”
The expulsion has sharply escalated diplomatic tensions between the two countries, with both recalling envoys and Iran promising further measures. International observers have voiced concerns about the potential repercussions on regional diplomacy and the safety of diplomatic missions in Tehran and Canberra.
