In response to the “unprecedented attack” on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney last year, Australia expelled ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three other Iranian officials, while declaring Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation.
Burke earlier in the day said Iran’s actions were an “unprecedented attack” on Australia.
“It’s aimed at creating fear, stoking internal divisions, and eroding social cohesion. It’s true that no one was injured in these attacks, it’s not true that no one was harmed,” he said.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin described Albanese’s announcement as both comforting and “chilling”.
“Well, on the one hand, it brings us some comfort to know that our law enforcement and security agencies are so good and working so hard to keep us safe, to bring the perpetrators to justice, to uncover the layers of this plot and to protect all Australians from terrorism,” he told 9News.
“But on the other hand, to learn, have confirmed what the Iranian regime that plotted and had carried out at least two of the attacks, it’s a chilling development because you’re dealing with a foreign actor which has sown discord and bloodshed throughout the Middle East and the wider world for many years.”
Australian Iranian Community Organisation president Siamak Ghahreman welcomed the federal government’s decision.
“The Iranian government is against its own people, and that’s why many people who are living in Australia actually flee the country,” he told 9News.
– Reported with Associated Press.
