The Morning Edition

Like a spy novel: How Iran orchestrated attacks on Australian shores

Aug 28, 2025
Matthew Knott, a national security correspondent, breaks down Iran's alarming orchestrations of attacks on Australia’s Jewish community. Paul Sakkal, the chief political correspondent, discusses the political ramifications, including the rare move of expelling the Iranian ambassador. They delve into the chaotic organization behind the attacks, drawing thrilling parallels to a spy novel. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for Australia’s national security and the rising antisemitism impacting the community.
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INSIGHT

State-Directed Attacks Confirmed

  • ASIO concluded the Iranian government directed at least two attacks on Australia's Jewish community.
  • That finding prompted Australia to expel Iran's ambassador and close its embassy in Tehran.
ANECDOTE

Chaotic, Bungled Operations

  • The attacks were routed through chaotic, incompetent operatives who sometimes targeted the wrong sites.
  • Court evidence shows bungled attempts like visiting a brewery with a similar name to the intended deli.
ANECDOTE

Criminal Middlemen And Encrypted Apps

  • Criminal networks and encrypted apps acted as intermediaries connecting foreign handlers to local perpetrators.
  • The system worked like an "Uber Eats of crime," offering anonymised jobs and payments to carry out attacks.
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