Key Takeaways
- Australia has listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism
- The IRGC is accused of orchestrating arson attacks against Australia’s Jewish community in Sydney and Melbourne
- The listing makes it an offense to direct the activities of, be a member of, associate with members of, recruit for, train with, get funds to, from or for, or provide support to the IRGC, with offenders facing up to 25 years in prison
- The move is seen as a deterrent and disruption to terrorist activity, and puts members of the public on notice that the IRGC is a state sponsor of terrorism under Australian law
- Iran has a history of targeting Jews and Israelis abroad, and has been linked to attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions in several countries
Introduction to the IRGC Listing
The Australian government has taken a significant step in combating terrorism by listing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism. This decision was made following an intelligence assessment that the IRGC had orchestrated arson attacks against Australia’s Jewish community in Sydney and Melbourne. The attacks, which occurred in October and December 2024, were designed to undermine and sow division in Australia’s multicultural society by targeting Jewish Australians and inflicting harm and stoking fear.
The Attacks and Their Impact
The arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne was particularly devastating, gutting much of the building and shocking Australians. The attack was tagged by police as a "likely terrorist incident." The IRGC’s involvement in these attacks is a clear indication of their willingness to target Jewish and Israeli institutions abroad, and their actions have been linked to similar attacks in several countries, including Sweden, Germany, and Cyprus. The Australian government’s decision to list the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism is a strong condemnation of these actions and a commitment to protecting the country’s Jewish community.
The New Law and Its Implications
The listing of the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism is the first under a new law passed this year, which makes it an offense to direct the activities of, be a member of, associate with members of, recruit for, train with, get funds to, from or for, or provide support to a state sponsor of terrorism. Offenders can face up to 25 years in prison. This law is an important tool in disrupting and deterring terrorist activity, and the listing of the IRGC is a clear message that Australia will not tolerate such actions. The law also puts members of the public on notice that the IRGC is a state sponsor of terrorism under Australian law, and that certain dealings with them are now criminal offenses.
International Implications and Historical Context
Iran’s history of targeting Jews and Israelis abroad is well-documented, and the IRGC’s actions are just the latest example of this. The Australian government’s decision to list the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism is a significant step in holding Iran accountable for its actions. The move is also a reminder that terrorist activity does not stop at national borders, and that international cooperation is necessary to combat this threat. The IRGC’s actions have been condemned by governments and organizations around the world, and the Australian government’s decision is a strong statement of support for the country’s Jewish community and a commitment to protecting them from harm.
Conclusion and Future Steps
The listing of the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism is an important step in combating terrorism and protecting Australia’s Jewish community. The Australian government’s decision is a clear condemnation of the IRGC’s actions and a commitment to disrupting and deterring terrorist activity. The law and its implications will have a significant impact on the IRGC’s ability to operate in Australia, and the international community will be watching closely to see how Iran responds to this move. The Australian government’s decision is a strong statement of support for the country’s Jewish community, and a reminder that terrorist activity will not be tolerated in Australia.
