Australia’s ambassador has departed Tehran as Iran officially downgraded its diplomatic ties with Canberra, in a direct response to the expulsion of Tehran’s envoy to Australia earlier this week. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei explained the move as a reciprocal diplomatic measure under established norms, stating that “Australia’s ambassador has already left Iran,” while acknowledging that consular services would continue through Iran’s Canberra embassy. Baghaei condemned Australia’s action as “unreasonable” and asserted that it unjustifiably damages bilateral relations.
This development follows Australia’s unprecedented decision—its first ambassadorial expulsion since World War II—to eject Iran’s envoy after intelligence agencies concluded that Iran directed antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian embassy in Tehran has since suspended operations, with diplomatic staff relocated to a third country for safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the attacks—one targeting a kosher restaurant in Sydney’s Bondi district and another at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne—as attempts to sow social discord and target Jewish Australians. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) cited the involvement of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directing the attacks via intermediaries.
Despite the diplomatic strain, Australia has emphasized that pathways for engaging Tehran remain open where necessary. Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Cabinet Minister Murray Watt both signaled the importance of retaining some contact, particularly regarding consular and citizen-safety matters, while upholding national security priorities.
