Iran has downgraded Australia's diplomatic representation in Tehran following Canberra's expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi last month, according to Iranian state-affiliated media. Australia's envoy, Ian McConville, has departed Iran, while Tehran maintains limited consular operations in Canberra to assist Iranian nationals.
The move comes after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of orchestrating antisemitic attacks targeting Jewish communities in Sydney and Melbourne since October 2023. Three Iranian officials were expelled alongside Ambassador Sadeghi in August – marking Australia's first ambassador expulsion since World War II.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the expulsions as "unjustified," warning of consequences for bilateral relations. Tehran claims Australia's actions align with Israeli policies to divert attention from Gaza conflict developments.
Australia has relocated its diplomats from Tehran to third countries and plans to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the gravity of the diplomatic rupture while ensuring continued consular support for Australians in Iran.
Analysts suggest the escalation reflects growing Western scrutiny of Iran's international activities amid Middle East tensions. The diplomatic freeze may impact trade and cultural exchanges between the two nations, which previously collaborated on refugee resettlement programs.
