Australian ambassador leaves Tehran, Iran responds to Canberra
3 Min Read
Australia’s ambassador has left Tehran after Canberra downgraded diplomatic ties, prompting Iran to reciprocate.
-
A man holds an Iranian flag during a rally demanding to stop the Israeli war on Iran, in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, June 22, 2025 (AP)
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Australia’s ambassador has left Tehran, after Canberra downgraded diplomatic ties in what Iran called an unfounded and politically driven move.
The Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Australia’s decision to expel Iran’s envoy and reduce diplomatic relations was “unjustified” and lacked any rational basis, stressing that such actions damage the ties between the two nations and serve no constructive purpose.
“In line with diplomatic norms and regulations, the Islamic Republic of Iran has reciprocally reduced the level of Australia’s presence in Tehran,” Baghaei stated, confirming that the Australian ambassador has left Tehran.
Consular services ongoing
The spokesperson added that despite restrictions imposed on Iran’s embassy in Canberra, consular services for Iranian expatriates living in Australia remain active, asserting that Tehran will continue to provide necessary support to its citizens abroad.
On Tuesday, August 26, Australia declared Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi "persona non grata," giving him and three other diplomats seven days to leave the country. Simultaneously, Canberra withdrew its ambassador from Tehran and suspended the operations of its embassy in the country, which had been active since 1968.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claimed that intelligence services had concluded Iran was behind the firebombing of a kosher café in Sydney’s Bondi suburb in October and the attempted arson at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December, knowing that no injuries were reported in either incident.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to X to denounce Albanese, calling him a “weak politician” and asserting that the allegations are illogical.
"I am not in the habit of joining causes with wanted War Criminals, but Netanyahu is right about one thing: Australia's PM is indeed a 'weak politician,'" Araghchi said. "Iran is home to among the world's oldest Jewish communities including dozens of synagogues. Accusing Iran of attacking such sites in Australia while we do our utmost to protect them in our own country makes zero sense."
Araghchi continued, "Iran is paying the price for the Australian people's support for Palestine. Canberra should know better than to attempt to appease a regime led by War Criminals. Doing so will only embolden Netanyahu and his ilk."
The Iranian government maintains that the expulsion is part of a broader effort to align Western diplomacy with "Israel" and suppress global solidarity with Palestine.
