Iran warns of retaliation after Australia expels ambassador

Iran has pledged to take retaliatory measures following Australia’s decision to expel its ambassador amid allegations of Tehran’s involvement in attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei described the claims as “completely unfounded” and warned that any inappropriate or unjustified diplomatic actions would be met with reciprocal measures, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

The move comes after the Australian government announced the expulsion of the Iranian diplomat, citing concerns over national security and alleged interference in domestic affairs.

To recall, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Iran of directing at least two anti-Jewish attacks in Australia and announced plans to expel Iran’s ambassador in Canberra.

Speaking to reporters in the Australian capital on August 25, Albanese described the attacks, which took place in Sydney and Melbourne last year, as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation” to undermine social cohesion in Australia.

“It is totally unacceptable, and the Australian government is taking strong and decisive action,” he said. “A short time ago, we informed the Iranian ambassador to Australia that he will be expelled.”

Albanese added that Australia has suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and relocated all its diplomats to a third country. “I can also announce the government will legislate to list Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, as a terrorist organisation,” he said.

The attacks occurred at the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 10 and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on December 6 last year. There were no casualties, but both properties suffered extensive fire damage.

By Aghakazim Guliyev