Australia blames Iran for two anti-Semitic attacks, expels envoy

It gives Tehran's ambassador 7 days to leave country in its first such ejection since WWII

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SYDNEY - Australia accused Iran on Aug. 26 of executing two anti-Semitic arson attacks in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne and gave Tehran's ambassador seven days to leave the country, in its first such ejection since World War II.

Since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023, Australian homes, schools, synagogues, and vehicles have been targeted in anti-Semitic vandalism and arson.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation had credible intelligence that Iran had directed at least two attacks.

"These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil," he told a press briefing. "They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community."

Iran had "sought to disguise its involvement" in 2024's attacks on a kosher restaurant in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Mr. Albanese said.

No injuries were reported in the attacks.

Iran said on Aug. 26 that it rejected the accusation and vowed reciprocal action. "The accusation that has been made is absolutely rejected," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a weekly press conference, adding that "any inappropriate and unjustified action on a diplomatic level will have a reciprocal reaction."