In 2024, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at the direction of the Iranian government organised and carried out at least 2, and likely more terrorist attacks within Australia. The first of these attacks occurred on 20 October 2024, when a group of arsonists led by Sayid Moosawi conducted an attack on Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher restaurant in Sydney. The second attack took place on 6 December 2024, when another group of arsonists firebombed the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, injuring one congregation member and dealing approximately A$45 million of property damage. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation director Mike Burgess stated he believes Iran was also responsible for more anti-Semitic attacks in the country.
 Adass Israel Synagogue in 2024 | |
| Date | 20 October 2024 (Sydney) 6 December 2024 (Melbourne) |
|---|---|
| Location | Sydney · Melbourne |
| Type | State-sponsored terrorism |
| Organized by |  Iran |
| Outcome |
|
| Non-fatal injuries | 1 |
| Property damage | A$46 million (estimated) |
| Arrests | 9 |
The origin of the attacks were not known until 26 August 2025, when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the IRGC was responsible. In this press conference, Albanese said he had expelled the Iranian ambassador, and closed operations at the Australian embassy in Tehran. It marked the first time Australia had expelled an ambassador since World War II.
The Israeli intelligence community had provided information to ASIO via a tip-off that enabled the organisation to determine that Iran was behind the attack. However, a minister in the Australian government has denied that it was Israeli pressure that caused Australia to expel the ambassador.
Background
editSince the onset of the Gaza war, Australia has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents. Alongside this, the Australian Terrorism Threat Level was raised to probable, meaning there is a greater than 50% chance of onshore terrorist attacks or terrorism planning.[1]
Government revelation
editOn 26 August 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, ASIO director Mike Burgess, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. In this press conference, Albanese said ASIO had gathered enough 'credible intelligence' to link Iran to both the Lewis Continental Kitchen and Adass Israel Synagogue attacks, as well as likely further attacks.[2] The government expelled the Iranian ambassador, ceased operations at the Embassy of Australia in Iran, and moved all consular staff to another country. He also announced that Australia would list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, pending enabling legislation.[3]
It was later reported that the Albanese government was aware of the Iranian involvement for months prior to the announcement.[4]
Chris Minns @ChrisMinnsMPThe revelations about Iran and its proxies involvement in directing violent, antisemitic attacks on Australian soil are deeply disturbing and utterly unacceptable.
26 August 2025[5]
_2.jpg)
Attacks
editLewis Continental Kitchen – Sydney
editOn 20 October 2024, Sayed Moosawi directed a group of arsonists in directing an attack on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a Jewish kosher restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Bondi.[3] For this attack, Moosawi allegedly received A$12,000.[6] No people were injured in this attack, however approximately A$1 million in property damages were done.[6]
Adass Israel Synagogue – Melbourne
editIn the early morning on 6 December 2024, a group of 3 arsonists firebombed the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.[7] This attack injured one member of the synagogue's congregation, and dealt $45 million in property damages, with repairs later partially funded by the government.
Reactions
edit
Israel – The government supported Australia expelling the ambassador, and claimed credit for pressuring Albanese into the expulsion. This was later rebuked by Tony Burke, who stated it was solely his government's decision and called the claims that it was due to Israeli pressure 'complete nonsense'.[8]
Iran – Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied that his government of having any involvement in the attacks while labelling Albanese as a 'weak politician'.[9]
References
edit- ^ Oboler, Andre (13 January 2025). "Is Australia facing an antisemitism crisis? The evidence is clear". ABC Religion & Ethics. Archived from the original on 23 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ May, Natasha; Dhanji, Krishani; May (now), Natasha; Dhanji (earlier), Krishani (26 August 2025). "PM declines to comment on reports of other attacks orchestrated by Iran; Israel praises Australia for 'principled stand' – as it happened". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Here's what we know about Iran's involvement in Australian attacks". ABC News. 26 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Albanese government aware of Iran's role in terror attacks on Australian soil months before action | Sky News Australia".
- ^ Chris Minns [@ChrisMinnsMP] (26 August 2025). "The revelations about Iran and its proxies involvement in directing violent, antisemitic attacks on Australian soil are deeply disturbing and utterly unacceptable" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b "Court documents allege A$12,000 payment for arson attack in Jewish business". ABC News. 12 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Iran orchestrated at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil". www.9news.com.au. 26 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Iran slams 'weak' Albanese as Israel claims credit for ambassador ban". ABC News. 26 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "'Complete nonsense' for Israel to claim credit for Iran move: Burke — as it happened". ABC News. 26 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.