The unthinkable has happened in Australian diplomacy. For the first time since World War II, Australia has expelled a foreign ambassador, severing diplomatic ties with Iran and leaving thousands of Australians stranded with severely limited consular support.
The expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi marks the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II, following explosive revelations from Australia's spy agency that Iran orchestrated antisemitic attacks on Australian soil.
A morning that changed everything
On 6 December 2024, at approximately 4:10 am, an arson terrorist attack took place at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, injuring one member and causing significant damage.
What initially appeared to be a hate crime has now been revealed as something far more sinister—a foreign government directing attacks against Australians.
The attack could have been catastrophic, with a synagogue board member noting that if it had happened an hour later, 'there would have been hundreds of people inside.' One congregant who escaped suffered burns to his hands, and the synagogue's interior was 'completely gutted'.
'If you're thinking of going to Iran, please don't'
The Orthodox Adass Israel Synagogue, built in 1965 and part of a congregation founded in 1949 by Holocaust survivors from Hungary, has become the centre of an international diplomatic crisis that has implications for every Australian with connections to Iran.
The intelligence that shocked a nation
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess revealed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed the attacks 'through a series of cut-outs' - a complex network of intermediaries designed to hide Iran's involvement. The operation wasn't limited to Melbourne.
ASIO also linked Iran to an October 2024 arson attack on Lewis' Continental Kitchen near Bondi Beach in Sydney, a kosher restaurant that had served the community for more than 50 years.
Authorities believe Iran paid criminal networks using cryptocurrency to carry out the attacks.
Australia's response to Iran
Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three diplomatic staff expelled (7 days to leave)
Australian embassy in Tehran suspended operations
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to be listed as terrorist organisation
$31+ million pledged to rebuild synagogue and enhance Jewish community security
Travel warning elevated to highest level: 'Do Not Travel'
What this means for Iranian-Australians
The diplomatic rupture has created a crisis for the estimated 2,000-4,000 Australians believed to be in Iran, who now face extremely limited consular assistance. Iran does not recognise dual nationality, and Australia's ability to provide consular support to dual Australian-Iranian nationals is extremely limited.
For older Australians who may have family connections to Iran or had planned visits, the situation is particularly concerning. Foreigners in Iran, including Australians, are at high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest, with foreign and dual nationals having been detained without due process.
A relationship built over decades, shattered in hours
Australia has maintained a long-standing bilateral relationship with Iran, with an uninterrupted diplomatic presence since opening its embassy in Tehran in 1968. Iran has maintained its embassy in Canberra since 1971.
This 57-year diplomatic relationship came to an abrupt end when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attacks as 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation' designed to undermine Australia's social cohesion.
The broader picture: rising antisemitism
This diplomatic crisis sits within a disturbing context. Antisemitic incidents in Australia have skyrocketed, with 2,062 incidents recorded between October 2023 and September 2024, compared to 495 incidents the year before. Physical assaults on Jews in Australia spiked from 11 the previous year to 65.
Recent months have seen synagogues, schools, and homes firebombed, nurses threatening to kill Jewish patients, and the discovery of a trailer filled with explosives intended for a Sydney synagogue. The Iranian-directed attacks represent a new and more dangerous escalation.
Practical implications for travellers
Essential information for travellers
- All travel to Iran should be avoided—government advice is 'Do Not Travel'
- Australians currently in Iran urged to leave immediately if safe to do so
- Australian embassy in Tehran is closed—no consular services available
- Dual citizens face particular risks as Iran doesn't recognise dual nationality
- Contact Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre: 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (outside Australia)
The travel implications extend beyond immediate safety concerns. Airlines may cancel or reduce operations to and from Iran at short notice, and some countries have restrictions on travellers coming from Iran. Travel insurance may also be affected when governments issue 'do not travel' advisories.
The human cost
Beyond the diplomatic manoeuvring lies real human impact. The Adass Israel congregation raised more than $600,000 for reconstruction after the fire and has restarted weekday services at a new temporary synagogue, with the location kept secret for security reasons.
Jewish community leaders welcomed the government's action but criticised those who initially dismissed the attacks as hoaxes. Victims said the events left them 'terrified for their safety'.
Looking ahead
The government will legislate to list Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, bringing Australia in line with the United States, which designated the IRGC as a terrorist group in 2019.
While some diplomatic lines will remain open to advance Australia's interests, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians in Iran to return home and warned others against travelling there.
What This Means For You
This unprecedented diplomatic rupture serves as a stark reminder that international tensions can suddenly and dramatically affect ordinary Australians' ability to travel safely. For seniors who may remember the Cold War era, this represents the most significant diplomatic crisis involving Australia in decades.
The message from Canberra couldn't be clearer: if you're in Iran, come home. If you're thinking of going, don't.
What are your thoughts on Australia's diplomatic response to these revelations? Have you been affected by the travel restrictions, or do you have family or friends who might be? Share your perspective in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/travel/trav...6720dd3e11e46a6099a13de187e7a8?from=rss-basic
Australia expels Iranian ambassador after spy agency finds Iran directed antisemitic attacks on its soil | CNN
Cited text: Australia has also suspended operations at its embassy in Iran ...
Excerpt: The expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi marks the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/26/australia/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-intl-hnk
Iran vows reciprocal action after Australia expels ambassador | Israel-Palestine conflict News | Al Jazeera
Cited text:
Excerpt: The expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi marks the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025...ocal-action-after-australia-expels-ambassador
2024 Melbourne synagogue attack—Wikipedia
Cited text: On 6 December 2024, at approximately 4:10 am local time, an arson terrorist attack took place at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne in Ripponlea,...
Excerpt: On 6 December 2024, at approximately 4:10 am, an arson terrorist attack took place at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, injuring one member and causing significant damage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Melbourne_synagogue_attack
Melbourne synagogue sustains massive damage in predawn attack by masked arsonists | The Times of Israel
Cited text: A board member of the synagogue, Benjamin Klein, said a few congregants were sitting and praying inside when the fire started, and “they heard loud ba...
Excerpt: The attack could have been catastrophic, with a synagogue board member noting that if it had happened an hour later, 'there would have been hundreds of people inside…
https://www.timesofisrael.com/melbo...damage-in-predawn-attack-by-masked-arsonists/
2024 Melbourne synagogue attack—Wikipedia
Cited text: The targeted synagogue in the December 2024 attack was the Orthodox Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne, located in Ripponlea, Victoria.
Excerpt: Orthodox Adass Israel Synagogue, built in 1965 and part of a congregation founded in 1949 by Holocaust survivors from Hungary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Melbourne_synagogue_attack
2024 Melbourne synagogue attack—Wikipedia
Cited text: It is part of the Adass Israel Congregation, a Jewish group in Melbourne that traces its origins to a split in the Elwood Talmud Torah Hebrew Congrega...
Excerpt: Orthodox Adass Israel Synagogue, built in 1965 and part of a congregation founded in 1949 by Holocaust survivors from Hungary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Melbourne_synagogue_attack
Australia accuses Iran of directing anti-Semitic attacks, expels envoy | News | Al Jazeera
Cited text:
Excerpt: Orthodox Adass Israel Synagogue, built in 1965 and part of a congregation founded in 1949 by Holocaust survivors from Hungary
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025...of-directing-antisemitic-attacks-expels-envoy
Australia expels Iranian ambassador after spy agency finds Iran directed antisemitic attacks on its soil | CNN
Cited text: Australia has also suspended operations at its embassy in Iran for the safety of its consular officials, and Australians in Iran have been urged to le...
Excerpt: ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess revealed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed the attacks 'through a series of cut-outs' - a complex network of intermediaries designed to hide Iran's involvement
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/26/australia/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-intl-hnk
Australia accuses Iran of organizing antisemitic attacks and expels ambassador : NPR
Cited text:
Excerpt: 2,000-4,000 Australians believed to be in Iran, who now face extremely limited consular assistance
https://www.npr.org/2025/08/26/nx-s1-5517826/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-expels-ambassador
Australia accuses Iran of organizing antisemitic attacks and expels ambassador : NPR
Cited text: Burgess said no Iranian diplomats in Australia were involved. 'This was directed by the IRGC through a series of overseas cut-out facilitators to coor...
Excerpt: Iran does not recognise dual nationality, and Australia's ability to provide consular support to dual Australian-Iranian nationals is extremely limited
https://www.npr.org/2025/08/26/nx-s1-5517826/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-expels-ambassador
Australia accuses Iran of organizing antisemitic attacks and expels ambassador : NPR
Cited text: Iran's government had no immediate reaction. There has been a steep rise in antisemitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne since the Israel-Hamas war b...
Excerpt: Foreigners in Iran, including Australians, are at high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest, with foreign and dual nationals having been detained without due process
https://www.npr.org/2025/08/26/nx-s1-5517826/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-expels-ambassador
Australia accuses Iran of organizing antisemitic attacks and expels ambassador | WWNO
Cited text: MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of organizing two antisemitic attacks in Australia and said the country...
Excerpt: Australia has maintained a long-standing bilateral relationship with Iran, with an uninterrupted diplomatic presence since opening its embassy in Tehran in 1968.
https://www.wwno.org/npr-news/2025-...ing-antisemitic-attacks-and-expels-ambassador
Australia expels Iranian ambassador after spy agency finds Iran directed antisemitic attacks on its soil | CNN
Cited text: The two attacks linked to Iran by ASIO include an arson attack in October, 2024, on the Lewis’ Continental Kitchen near Bondi Beach in Sydney, which h...
Excerpt: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attacks as 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation' designed to undermine Australia's social cohesion
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/26/australia/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-intl-hnk
Australian police arrest second suspect in Melbourne synagogue arson attack | The Times of Israel
Cited text: Some 2,062 incidents were recorded between October 2023 and September 2024, compared to 495 incidents a year earlier, according to data from the Execu...
Excerpt: Antisemitic incidents in Australia have skyrocketed, with 2,062 incidents recorded between October 2023 and September 2024, compared to 495 incidents the year before
https://www.timesofisrael.com/austr...-suspect-in-melbourne-synagogue-arson-attack/
Australia accuses Iran of directing anti-Semitic attacks, expels envoy | News | Al Jazeera
Cited text: “I can also announce the government will legislate to list Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, as a terrorist organisation,” he added.
Excerpt: Antisemitic incidents in Australia have skyrocketed, with 2,062 incidents recorded between October 2023 and September 2024, compared to 495 incidents the year before
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025...of-directing-antisemitic-attacks-expels-envoy
Melbourne synagogue sustains massive damage in predawn attack by masked arsonists | The Times of Israel
Cited text: Antisemitic incidents in Australia have quadrupled since the Hamas attack, amid a global surge. Physical assaults on Jews in Australia spiked from 11 ...
Excerpt: Physical assaults on Jews in Australia spiked from 11 the previous year to 65
https://www.timesofisrael.com/melbo...damage-in-predawn-attack-by-masked-arsonists/
Australian police arrest second suspect in Melbourne synagogue arson attack | The Times of Israel
Cited text: In recent months, Jews there have seen synagogues, schools, and homes firebombed, two nurses threatening to kill Jewish patients in their hospital, an...
Excerpt: Recent months have seen synagogues, schools, and homes firebombed, nurses threatening to kill Jewish patients, and the discovery of a trailer filled with explosives intended for a Sydney synagogue
https://www.timesofisrael.com/austr...-suspect-in-melbourne-synagogue-arson-attack/
Australia expels Iranian ambassador after spy agency finds Iran directed antisemitic attacks on its soil | CNN
Cited text: Police allege three individuals broke into the place of worship and deliberately set it on fire.
Excerpt: The government will legislate to list Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/26/australia/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-intl-hnk
Australia expels Iranian ambassador after spy agency finds Iran directed antisemitic attacks on its soil | CNN
Cited text: ... Albanese said Iran’s IRGC—an elite wing of the Iranian military ...
Excerpt: The government will legislate to list Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/26/australia/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-intl-hnk
Australia expels Iranian ambassador after spy agency finds Iran directed antisemitic attacks on its soil | CNN
Cited text: ... Albanese said Iran’s IRGC—an elite wing of the Iranian military considered instrumental in crushing dissent at home and projecting Iran’s power ...
Excerpt: While some diplomatic lines will remain open to advance Australia's interests, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians in Iran to return home and warned others against travelling there
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/26/australia/australia-iran-antisemitic-attacks-intl-hnk
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