Iran Scales Back Relations with Australia

(MENAFN) Iran responded swiftly to Australia's expulsion of its ambassador, downgrading its own diplomatic ties with Canberra on Thursday. The move follows Australia's decision to sever higher-level diplomatic relations over alleged Iranian involvement in antisemitic attacks.

"In response to Australia’s action, Iran has also reduced the level of Australia’s diplomatic representation in Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said during a briefing. The comments were reported by local media.

Baghaei confirmed that the Australian ambassador had departed Iran, condemning Australia’s decision as "unjustified" and asserting that it would damage the bilateral relationship. “We do not welcome the downgrading of diplomatic relations, as we believe there is no justification for such a move. It negatively affects the ties between the two nations,” he added.

Despite the diplomatic setback, Baghaei reassured that Iran’s consular services in Canberra remain fully operational, continuing to assist Iranian citizens in Australia.

Addressing accusations of antisemitism against Iran, Baghaei dismissed them as “ridiculous and baseless.”

The diplomatic fallout stems from Australia's expulsion of Iran’s ambassador last week, following claims that Tehran was behind two arson attacks in Melbourne and Sydney. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that intelligence reports indicated Iran had orchestrated the attacks on the Lewis Continental Café in Sydney in October 2024, and on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024. Neither incident caused injuries.

In response to the diplomatic rift, Australia also recalled its ambassador, suspended embassy operations in Tehran, and unveiled plans to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

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