Australia’s domestic intelligence chief has revealed that Iran was behind the December 2024 firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Shul, saying the attack was directed by a former Australian resident living in Iraq who had been recruited by Tehran.

Speaking during his Annual Threat Assessment, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the operative was recruited through a “complex web of Iraqi-based militia groups” tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to Burgess, Iran valued the man for his wealth and criminal connections, with the IRGC protecting him and supporting his illegal activities. However, after Australian authorities publicly linked Iran to the synagogue arson, Burgess said Tehran abandoned its support.

“After further pressure from Australian and local law enforcement, they threw him in prison,” Burgess said.

Burgess also disclosed that an Australian citizen based in Iran orchestrated the October 2024 firebombing of the Lewis Continental Kitchen restaurant in Sydney’s Bondi neighborhood, describing it as “the first major attack in the summer of antisemitism.”

He identified the suspect as a senior operative in the IRGC’s elite Quds Force who oversees Iranian networks around the world.

“We know more about him than he realizes, including the name of his superior in Iran and the department he works for,” Burgess said. “Department 11000, a covert unit within the IRGC Quds Force, is responsible for coordinating operations in the West.”

While declining to publicly identify those involved because of ongoing investigations, Burgess issued a direct warning.

“I want them to understand this: We know who you are, we know what you’ve done and we know who you work for.”

The revelations mark one of the strongest public accusations by Australian intelligence directly linking Iran to antisemitic attacks on Australian soil.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)