TEHRAN (Iran News) Tensions between Iran and Australia escalated in 2025 after the Australian government designated the IRGC as a “state sponsor of terrorism” in response to its alleged involvement in attacks within Australia, provoking a strong diplomatic backlash from Iran.

In November 2025, the Australian Parliament passed an amendment to the law that, for the first time, allows a foreign government entity to be officially listed as a “state sponsor of terrorism.” The primary purpose of this legislation was to create a legal basis for listing the IRGC.

Earlier, in August 2025, Australia had taken preliminary measures by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Canberra along with three other diplomats and suspending its embassy operations in Tehran.

The Islamic Republic of Iran reacted strongly to these hasty and malicious measures, condemning them as follows: it completely denied the allegations, calling them “false, baseless, and fabricated by Israeli security agencies.” Iran also described Australia’s actions as a “dangerous and criminal precedent” that violates national sovereignty and international law.

Furthermore, Iran asserted that Australia, by taking these measures, sacrificed long-standing bilateral relations in order to “curry favor with the Zionist regime,” acting hastily under the framework of its newly enacted law.

This rushed action demonstrates that Australia, situated in a remote corner at the edge of the world, has engaged in a reckless endeavor without understanding the stature and position of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its global power arm, the IRGC. Any country with access to proper information would understand that a nation of Iran’s magnitude would never place itself on the path of such childish accusations.

It seems that Australia, as the “back row student of the world classroom,” receives news about events belatedly, and as a result of this detachment from the pulse of time and place, responds in a manner reflecting its geographic and informational isolation.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has emphasized that Australia should rely on the will of its people and stand on the right side of history instead of appeasing the Israeli regime.

Baghaei expressed his views in an interview with Australia’s Channel 9 on September 3 regarding the Iranian ambassador’s expulsion from Australia, genocide in Gaza, and the imposed 12-day Israeli war against Iran.

He said, “This is regrettable. We believe the Australian government’s action was unjustified. We value our relations with Australia, and the decision to downgrade our diplomatic relations was unexpected.”

He emphasized, “Fundamentally, antisemitism has no place in our culture, history, or religion. The history of Iran’s coexistence with Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians needs no elaboration from me or any other official. You can visit our synagogues in Tehran and other cities without needing to pass through an X-ray machine because our Jewish community feels safe here.”

Baghaei further highlighted, “Do not forget that we are at war with Israel. They attacked us and have waged a war of aggression against the Iranians. Despite this, can you name a single instance of assault—verbal or otherwise—against our Jewish compatriots? This demonstrates that Iranians, with their rich history, have learned to coexist peacefully with all religions. Therefore, we categorically reject any notion of antisemitism; it has no place in Iran’s history, religion, or political approach.”

He also acknowledged the sentiments of the Australian public, saying, “We all know that the people of Australia are upset and angry about the genocide in Palestine. Over the past month, people in Melbourne, Sydney, and other cities have taken to the streets to protest the crimes committed in the Palestinian territories. Naturally, the Israeli regime did not appreciate this. They accused the Australian Prime Minister of being weak and gave him until September 23rd to take action against antisemitism. I believe some individuals in the Australian government opted for an easy way to please or appease Benjamin Netanyahu, which led to accusations against Iran for antisemitism.”

Regarding the arson attacks on a Melbourne synagogue and a restaurant, Baghaei commented, “I think this is the same synagogue that is generally known for opposing Israeli policies. These are the same Jews who oppose Israel’s genocidal policies in the Palestinian territories. Why would Iran decide to attack this synagogue? This [accusation] is absurd. Secondly, I think it’s the same Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) that in 2003 tried to fabricate intelligence in a similar way to justify claims about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.”

He added, “The responsibility of diplomats and the Foreign Ministry is to engage with other countries to foster friendly ties between our peoples. People-to-people relations are very important to us.”

Baghaei emphasized, “We have very dynamic relations with our neighbors. Consider the situation following the attack on Iran by Israel and the United States—this was an act of aggression condemned by our friends in the region and around the world. We also have very good relations with other countries and are eager to develop our relations based on mutual respect and mutual interests with any country in the world.”

“In the last 200 years, as a nation with a rich civilizational heritage and history, we have not invaded any other country. Just look at our history,” he said.

Baghaei said, “The core issue with the Israeli regime stems from its formation, conduct, and policies, which are rooted in the occupation of another nation’s land. Just look at the events of the last two years—I’m not even speaking about the last eight decades. Consider what they have inflicted upon the Palestinians and the region! Is it Iran that has occupied the lands of two other countries? Is it Iran that bombards Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and other nations daily? Did Iran initiate an attack on Israel? Or is it Israel that is the aggressor?””Australia”

“It is crucial for Western public opinion to understand the realities. The fact is that the Israeli regime has occupied Palestinian land and committed grave crimes against the Palestinian people. They have explicitly stated that a Palestinian government has no place in their mindset. They speak of a Greater Israel, which implies their intent to occupy territories belonging to many neighboring countries,” he added.

Regarding the damage Iran incurred during the recent 12-day attacks, Baghaei said, “This is a very complex and technical issue. While there was certainly damage, rather than focusing on the extent of that damage, the public and mainstream media should be concerned about the repercussions of such a blatant violation of international law and the pride taken by the United States and the Israeli regime in these illegal actions against Iran.”

He emphasized, “Our Atomic Energy Organization is still assessing the extent of the damage to our facilities. However, I believe that the US President’s admission of their attack signifies an open confession to the criminal acts they have committed against Iran. This further heightens their international responsibility for this wrongful act, as they are aware that what they did was unjust and illegal, yet they boast about attacking our country. It is shameful.”

In response to the comment that France, Germany, and Britain (the E3) plan to impose strict sanctions on Iran unless Tehran discloses the location of its nuclear materials, Baghaei said, “This is yet another example of an illogical demand. All three countries you mentioned were part of the nuclear deal with Iran. That agreement, which is annexed to a consensus UN Security Council resolution, is still in effect. Nevertheless, instead of criticizing Israel and the United States for their blatant violation of a UN Security Council resolution, they are pressuring Iran regarding the ambiguity surrounding the location of these [enriched] materials. Our materials were in the same location that was illegally attacked by the United States and the Israeli regime.”

“These countries—Germany, France, and Britain—should have acted responsibly as independent governments. They should have condemned such attacks instead of asking Iran about the location of the materials,” he added.

“Consider that our facilities have been under strict 24/7 supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This is the first time that the peaceful nuclear facilities of a member state of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) have been attacked by two regimes armed with nuclear weapons,” Baghaei noted.

He further said, “This represents a major blow to the NPT, to the rule of law, and to all the fundamental principles we value as a human civilization. In other words, this situation should not be simplified or reduced to an attack by the US and Israel on something they considered dangerous. No legal or logical principle permits such attacks against a sovereign state.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Australia and Iran have taken different routes to get here. The Boomers have been all business, sweeping Group A and cruising past the Philippines in the Quarter-Finals. Their average winning margin of 25.3 points per game tells the story of a team barely tested, with maybe just one bad half of basketball in the entire tournament.

Iran’s road, however, has been bumpier but no less remarkable. The Group B winner has twice stared down late deficits, first against Japan in the Group Phase, then in the Quarter-Finals against Chinese Taipei, when it came from 21 points down to steal a win.

With a younger, retooled core missing some of Team Melli’s iconic veterans, they arrive in the last four undefeated. However, as seasoned veteran Arsalan Kazemi termed themselves during the course of the competition, “We are the underdogs.”

These two have clashed on the international stage plenty, with Iran even securing a victory over Australia in a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers meeting. However, they have only once faced each other at the FIBA Asia Cup, which was a 79-56 Boomers win in the 2017 Final.” FIBA Asia Cup SF”

For Iran, this is a chance to gain a measure of payback and reach the Final for the first time since that edition. For Australia, it’s about keeping their perfect all-time FIBA Asia Cup record intact and moving one win away from a third straight crown.

With unbeaten records, contrasting styles and a place in the championship game at stake, Saturday’s clash has all the ingredients of a Jeddah classic.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The 12 teams were drawn into three groups during a glittering ceremony at the Sydney Town Hall with the continental showpiece to run from March 1 to 21, 2026.

Hosts Australia, seeking to lift the coveted trophy for a second time, were drawn in Group A alongside Korea Republic, Iran and the Philippines.

Three-time winners DPR Korea will face defending champions China, debutants Bangladesh and Uzbekistan in Group B.

Japan, aiming for a third title, are the top seeded team in Group C with Vietnam, India and Chinese Taipei their challengers.”AFC ”

The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed sides will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will book their tickets to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, while the losing sides from the quarter-finals will advance to the playoffs, where two more spots at the global showpiece will be at stake.

Draw Result

Group A: Australia, Korea Republic, Iran, Philippines
Group B: DPR Korea, China, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan
Group C: Japan, Vietnam, India, Chinese Taipei

Hosts Australia, seeking to lift the coveted trophy for a second time, were drawn in Group A alongside Korea Republic, Iran and the Philippines.

Three-time winners DPR Korea will face defending champions China, debutants Bangladesh and Uzbekistan in Group B.” Women’s Asian Cup”

Japan, aiming for a third title, are the top seeded team in Group C with Vietnam, India and Chinese Taipei their challengers.” Australia 2026″

The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed sides will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will book their tickets to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, while the losing sides from the quarter-finals will advance to the playoffs, where two more spots at the global showpiece will be at stake.

Draw Result

Group A: Australia, Korea Republic, Iran, Philippines
Group B: DPR Korea, China, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan
Group C: Japan, Vietnam, India, Chinese Taipei

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking during a meeting with Ian McConville, Australia’s Ambassador to Iran, Hassanzadeh suggested that alternative financial mechanisms could be utilized, provided both nations reach a mutual understanding. He highlighted the pivotal role the Australian Embassy could play in facilitating this process. “Continuous engagement between the ambassador, the trade attaché, and the Iran Chamber is crucial,” he noted, adding that Iran’s diverse capabilities offer significant opportunities for bilateral trade.

Hassanzadeh pointed to Iran’s competitive export products—such as food industries, construction materials, medical supplies, and dried fruits—as ideal for the Australian market due to their high quality and affordability. He also underscored Iran’s strengths in sectors like casting and automotive parts, textile and industrial machinery, engineering services (including power plants, dams, bridges, refineries, and petrochemicals), as well as handicrafts and carpets.

Tourism was another area of potential collaboration, with Hassanzadeh inviting Australian representatives to visit key Iranian provinces such as Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Kerman, and Yazd to explore opportunities firsthand. “We hope the Australian Embassy will take steps to ease trade relations between our two countries,” he said.

Ian McConville, Australia’s Ambassador to Iran, echoed the call for deeper ties, expressing Australia’s keen interest in strengthening cooperation, particularly through the Iran Chamber and the joint chamber of commerce. Having visited cities like Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, and Kashan, he remarked, “Iranian carpets have always left a strong impression on us.”

McConville, who recently met with the head of the Shiraz Chamber of Commerce, expressed his desire to connect with other chamber leaders across Iran. He acknowledged that a reasonable level of bilateral trade already exists, citing significant Australian meat exports to Iran and the import of non-sanctioned Iranian goods into Australia. However, he stressed the need to expand cooperation in non-sanctioned sectors.

The ambassador identified banking sanctions as the primary hurdle to advancing trade relations. “These restrictions impede progress, but I hope through ongoing dialogue we can overcome them,” he said.

In closing, Hassanzadeh emphasized Iran’s belief that no nation can thrive in isolation or under restrictions. “Our country’s leadership is committed to fostering international relations with all nations in an atmosphere of peace and security,” he said. “We expect other countries to resist unfair discrimination and pressures, contributing to greater global interaction.”

The discussions signal a mutual intent to navigate the complexities of sanctions and unlock the untapped potential of Iran-Australia trade relations.

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Pir Moazen went on to say that the private sector in Iran has high capabilities so that it has tried to steer the country out of the economic crisis and sanctions in years and it is now ready to broaden economic relations with other countries.

He added that all industries in Ardebil Province are active, and considering the existing potentials in diverse sectors like industry, mine, agriculture and tourism they can cooperate. He said the province has great potentials in the field of agriculture and processing industries like producing one million tons of potato a year in its Pars and Moghan Agro-Industry Companies and it is ready to cooperate with Australian investors in those fields.

He also hailed the Australian ambassador for her visit to the province especially in the time of sanctions that the province seeks expansion of economic ties, adding that he believes practical steps should be taken in order to have some impact on broadening economic ties.

Then Australian Ambassador Ms. Sachs, for her part, said that the goal behind her visit to Ardebil Province was to see existing opportunities in this province and transfer it to the economic activists in Australia in order that they take advantage from these opportunities for broadening bilateral cooperation.

She added that Iran’s Embassy in Canberra with direct talks can also do the same and encourage Australian economic activists for presence in Iran’s market.

Sachs stressed that some big Australian companies have offices in the UAE and she invites them to visit Iran due to the short distance to review the grounds for cooperation between Australian economic activists with their Iranian counterparts.

Touching upon admission of Iranian students, she said many Iranians study in Australia and Australia is eager to host more students from Iran and Ardebil province in its reputable universities.

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Sachs made the remarks in a meeting with Governor General of Yazd Mehran Fatemi.

Speaking about the latest developments in Iran’s neighboring country of Afghanistan,  Sachs appreciated Iran’s generosity to the nationals of Afghanistan, saying that Canberra and Tehran have the same concern about Taliban. She then announced readiness of Australia to help Iran to combat terrorism.

For his part, Yazd’s governor general said that Iran has been open for millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades as if they were Iranians’ siblings.

He went on to say that Iran has been doing so due to religious guidelines and the importance emphasized by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

In a related developments, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi said in late January “While the United States’ inhumane sanctions have created tremendous difficulties for our government and people, various services including education, health, medical treatment, vocational training, and employment are being provided to Afghan people living in Iran, with minimal assistance from the international community.”

As Fatemi noted, about 300,000 people from Afghanistan are living in Yazd.

He hoped that further support be extended to provide more favorable situation for the Afghan refugees.

On April 1, 2022, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi announced that over four million Afghan people are Iran’s guests despite the claim made by the Europe over offering help for them.

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Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah says the measures to blacklist resistance movements will increase pressure and threats against anyone who supports the resistance with a word or backs it with any funds or stands in defense of it in the Arab and Islamic world. Nasrallah indicated that Israel is playing a role and said the issue requires another speech in which he will divulge into details. Hezbollah has previously said after it was placed in its entirety on the American “terrorism list” that it will not change its approach or goals towards Israel and its support for the Palestinians cause and the holy sites in occupied Palestine. Nasrallah is on the record as saying the movement will help Palestinians liberate every inch of their land “if they are on a terrorism list” or “if they are not on a terrorism list.” Likewise, Hezbollah has made clear it will defend Lebanon’s sovereignty no matter what the cost.

On Wednesday, the Australian government listed Hezbollah as a “terrorist organization”, extending an existing ban on the movement’s armed wing to cover the entire organization including its political faction. The move has been criticized as Hezbollah plays a role part in Lebanese politics; it has members in parliament and helps with the government formation. The movement has also played a major role in liberating Lebanon from Israeli occupation while being praised for helping in the fight against terrorism in West Asia.

Following the move by Canberra, in a statement, Hezbollah condemned Australia’s decision, describing it as “a blind bias” in the service of Israeli interests. Before that, the UK government was censured for classifying the entire Hamas movement as a “terrorist group” despite it being democratically elected to power and its social welfare services to Palestinians living in the besieged Gaza Strip. Rights groups have denounced Israel for its land, air and sea blockade of the Gaza Strip which has been described as the world’s largest open-air prison.

Over the past weeks, the U.S. has also sanctioned several individuals from the Ansarullah movement; part of Yemen’s Government of Nation Salvation.

Analysts argue that Israeli lobby groups are in the pockets of many western politicians which in essence means Israeli lobbying is working on behalf of British, American or Australian foreign policy. In the case of the UK, the decision against Hamas was made and announced by the Home Secretary, Priti Patel. The same Priti Patel that was forced to resign from former British Prime minister Theresa May’s government four years ago from her ministerial role as international development secretary because of unofficial meetings with Israeli ministers, businesspeople and a senior Israeli lobbyist. At the time, the forced resignation dominated the headlines as revelations emerged of secret meetings with Israeli officials. She had spoken to the former Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu with no officials present, in a meeting that the British Prime Minister or government reportedly was not aware of. Twelve other meetings were also held with more Israeli officials in the presence of an experienced Conservative party Israeli lobbyist.

Patel later admitted that during the 13-day visit to Israel, she had wanted to give British money to the Israeli regime forces in the occupied Golan Heights; at a time when the Syrian army was trying to liberate a neighboring region from terrorist groups. Later, Israeli media cited two anonymous sources as saying that Patel had actually revealed the meetings with the Israelis in advance to the British Prime Minister but she was told not to declare them in public as they would embarrass the UK Foreign Office.

This would perhaps explain why she was forced to resign instead of being fired.

Sayyed Nasrallah linked the recent designation by Australia by urging all Lebanese to continue living up to their responsibilities to safeguard their country’s independence from enemy forces. Nasrallah noted that if the country’s independence was not complete it must be transformed to full independence. He says maintaining the “country’s independence, sovereignty and freedom at a [legitimate] level for the country, the state and the people is a battle that must go on.”

The Hezbollah chief pointed out that Lebanon might have sovereignty but what’s more important is “preserving this sovereignty, and keeping this [sovereignty], you need an ongoing battle. The same is applicable to freedom and the same is applicable to independence.”

An entire generation, he said, fought the biggest battle for independence since 1982 “when Israel occupied large swathes of Lebanese territory, around half of Lebanon, but what was more dangerous, [Israel] occupied the capital Beirut and the enemy’s tanks reached Baabda Palace (the Presidential Palace), and we still have, until now, the photos and videos of Israeli military officers inside the Presidential office.”

He went on to say “this was the most dangerous time our generation lived through, an era that the enemy was being supported by the West and especially the United States… and it was said during that time that Lebanon was a part of Israel.” Sayyed Nasrallah says a “large fraction of the Lebanese people resisted, put their faith in [Hezbollah] and the different aspects of the resistance, supported this resistance, especially the armed resistance through parties, movements, and factions in more than one region and under more than one slogan; from the significant victory in 1985” when the enemy’s forces withdrew from the Capitol as well as many villages and towns that had been liberated until the great victory that was achieved in 2000” when the Israeli military was forced to flee southern Lebanon.

That, he said, was “a huge victory for Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, and freedom.” A victory that “withdrew Lebanon from plans” to include the country as part of Israel. However, Nasrallah says this battle is ongoing so long as Israel occupies a part of the Sheba’a Farms and parts of two other towns in the country’s south; it means Lebanon does not enjoy full sovereignty. He added that so long as Lebanon is prevented from fully accessing its natural gas and oil “that means we are facing a lack of total sovereignty”, he said, “when we witness every day the blatant American meddling in [our] judiciary, politics, the military, security institutions, and the political life [among the Lebanese] and the upcoming parliamentary election; this is also a derogation of our independence, sovereignty, and freedom.”

He noted that everyone wants full independence, sovereignty, and freedom, but raised the question over “what measurements are used” to judge whether the current situation is one of sovereignty or hegemony, freedom or bondage. “Unfortunately, even in Lebanon, there’s different points of view” regarding this matter. As long Lebanon is under ongoing Israeli threats “over the past two days, we heard new threats” he said, “then we are still in a battle for full independence, sovereignty and freedom, and just like we were victorious before, we will continue this battle with steadfastness and patience and reliance on God to achieve another victory; the day will come when we achieve full, real sovereignty that will leave no room for questions among any freedom seeking Lebanese people.”

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During the meeting, Sachs and Jalalzadeh discussed Australian-Iranian cooperation and ways to strengthen the partnership.

She pointed to the old relation between Iran and Australia and saidAustralia has had 53 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations with Iran and looks forward to many more.She added that Australia seeks reinforcing its ties with Iran in different fields.

The partnership is broad with Australian businesses working in Iran across many sectors, Iranian students studying in Australia and strong cultural links between the two countries, she added.

Sachs then pointed to the effective role of parliamentary cooperation on boosting the bilateral ties and said the parliamentary cooperation as well as joint cooperation commissions has been important for boosting the ties.

She then called for reinforcing interactions and investment of the private sectors of the two states and said Australia is keen to enhance its economic ties with Tehran.

She also called for boosting ties in the cultural and political fields and said she hopes the economic ties of the two countries would broaden after the removal of the U.S. sanctions.

Then Jalalzadeh, for his part, pointed to the historic ties of the two countries and said the bilateral ties have seen the ups and downs due to the global developments and the U.S. sanctions.

Touching upon developments in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said that the policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to support peace and stability in the region and it welcomes any act which helps it.

He reiterated that no country can deny the effective role of Iran in combatting terrorism in the region.

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