Diplomatic Tension Between Iran and Australia After Unprecedented Exchange of Measures

In an unusual diplomatic escalation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced today, Thursday, that it has downgraded the level of Australian diplomatic representation in Tehran, in response to Canberra's decision to expel the Iranian ambassador and suspend its embassy's operations, a move considered the first of its kind since World War II.

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ismail Baqaei, stated that this action comes "in accordance with diplomatic law and similarly," confirming that the Australian ambassador has already left Iran.

He added that Tehran does not welcome the deterioration of bilateral relations, but it rejects the accusations which he described as "ridiculous and unfounded," referring to Australian claims regarding secret hostile activities and anti-Semitism.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced last week the suspension of the Australian embassy's operations in Tehran, indicating that all Australian diplomats are now in a safe third country, without disclosing further details.

Despite the tension, Iranian officials confirmed that the Islamic Republic's embassy in Canberra continues to provide its consular services, indicating an effort to keep communication channels open despite the escalation.