Iran has dramatically scaled back Australia’s diplomatic operations on its soil in a tit-for-tat move after Canberra expelled Tehran’s ambassador last month. The latest escalation highlights growing friction over alleged antisemitic attacks and Middle East policies. 🔥
Diplomatic Chess Game
Australia’s ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, has left the country, while Iran’s consular services in Canberra remain open—for now. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei called Australia’s expulsion of Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi "unjustified," warning it harms bilateral ties. 🇮🇷🇦🇺
Why the Fallout?
Australian PM Anthony Albanese accused Iran of orchestrating antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne since October 2023, calling it a "threat to our multicultural society." Three Iranian officials were expelled, and Australia plans to label Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist group—a first for Canberra. 🚨
Historic Move
Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted this marks Australia’s first ambassador expulsion since WWII. Iran retaliated by accusing Canberra of "following Israeli policies" to distract from Gaza, hinting at further measures. 🌐
With Australia’s Tehran embassy suspended and diplomats relocated, tensions show no signs of cooling. Will this spark a wider diplomatic freeze? Stay tuned. ❄️
