Tehran: In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Iran has officially downgraded its diplomatic relations with Australia following a week marked by unprecedented accusations and retaliatory measures. The decision comes after Canberra expelled Iran’s ambassador, accusing Tehran of orchestrating two antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. This diplomatic rift signals one of the rare instances of a serious rupture between the two nations in recent decades.
The controversy ignited in late 2024 when Australian authorities accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of being behind an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. The attack resulted in extensive damage to the synagogue and the destruction of sacred Jewish texts. A 20-year-old man, Younes Ali Younes, was charged in connection with the incident. Australian officials claim the attack was carried out by proxies acting under the direction of Iranian operatives, framing it as a deliberate attempt to sow societal discord.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attacks, describing them as foreign-orchestrated efforts aimed at destabilizing the multicultural fabric of Australia. In response, Canberra expelled Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi a move not seen since World War II and temporarily suspended embassy operations in Tehran, relocating Australian diplomats to a third country for security reasons.
Iran reacted swiftly and reciprocally, announcing the downgrading of its diplomatic ties. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Australia’s ambassador had departed Tehran, and the Iranian government had reduced the level of Australia’s diplomatic representation in the country. While the formal diplomatic downgrade has been enacted, Iran’s embassy in Canberra continues to provide essential consular services. Tehran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the alleged attacks, branding the accusations as baseless and expressing regret over the deterioration of relations with Australia.
The diplomatic fallout underscores growing Western concerns regarding alleged Iranian covert operations abroad, raising questions about the safety of diaspora communities and the challenges of balancing foreign relations with domestic security. Analysts suggest that this dispute could influence broader regional dynamics and international cooperation on counterterrorism measures.
As both nations navigate this unprecedented diplomatic crisis, the situation remains fluid, with further developments anticipated in the coming weeks. Observers caution that the fallout could have long-term implications for diplomatic engagement, trade relations, and regional security cooperation between Canberra and Tehran.