Iran has expressed its “disgust” over Australia’s formal designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism, describing the move as an “unjustified and insulting action” intended to “pay ransom” to Israel.
The response, in what was largely a formality by the Australian government, marks the latest escalation in a months-long dispute that began when Australian intelligence agencies linked the IRGC to two arson attacks targeting Jewish community sites in Sydney and Melbourne in 2024.
New legislation passed earlier this month allowed the government to list foreign state entities as sponsors of terrorism, with the IRGC becoming the first to be designated under this framework.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the appointment, made Thursday by Australia, was “illegal, unjustifiable and contrary to international rules and norms that protect the sovereignty of a state,” arguing that Australia’s decision was based on “completely false and fabricated accusations by the Zionist regime’s security institutions,” referring to Israel.
“[Iran is] He expressed his disgust at the allegiance of some Australian politicians to the evil policies of the genocidal Israeli regime in spreading lies against Iran,” said the statement, shared to Telegram on Friday.
According to intelligence findings, Iran orchestrated the arsons Australia will deport the Iranian ambassador – the first such expulsion since World War II – and later to recall his own envoy, signaling a sharp deterioration in relations.
At the time, an Israeli government spokesman said it forced Australia to act, but Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke strongly denied thissaid in October that Australia was acting on its own intelligence.
It followed comments Burke made in August, dismissing as “complete nonsense” the suggestion that Israel had pressured Australia into action.
It further accused the government of allowing the “long-standing diplomatic relationship between Iran and Australia”. [to become] a means of reconciliation and paying ransom to the Zionist occupation regime.”
In recent weeks, Israel’s Mossad spy agency has publicly discussed the IRGC’s alleged involvement in anti-Semitic activities abroad, including Australia, prompting further investigation into Iran’s regional operations.
Australia has rejected Iran’s claims about its relationship with Israel. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “Iran’s attacks were unprecedented and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil,” stressing that the list is intended to deter further activity and limit any dealings with the IRGC.
A joint statement from Wong, Burke and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said on Thursday that the arson attacks were “intended to undermine and sow division in our multicultural society, by targeting Jewish Australians to cause harm and incite fear”.
Some Iranian Australians say the appointment is a crucial step that will hold the IRGC accountable and strengthen protections for their communities.
“This is a landmark decision that strengthens national security and protects multicultural society,” Suren Edgar, vice president of the Australian Iranian Community Alliance, said in a statement on Friday.
“It also recognizes the years of tireless advocacy and evidence-based warnings from Iranian-Australian activists, human rights defenders and community organizations regarding the IRGC’s violent operations, intimidation networks and foreign influence activities on Australian soil.”
Meanwhile, the Australian Iranian Community Organization said: “For many Australians of Iranian background, this decision is also deeply personal.”
“Our community includes refugees, former political prisoners, human rights defenders and families who have directly experienced harm and harassment related to the IRGC,” President Siamak Ghahreman said in a statement on Friday.
“Today’s decision reflects meaningfully [our] long-standing concerns and advocacy.”
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