The Australian government has condemned Iran’s ambassador after he called for “an end” to Israel as the world’s “most notorious killing machine”.
Ahmad Sadeghi, who assumed the role in July, made the remarks in tweets commenting on the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
He said: “Israeli war criminals are back to their inherent job of fear and terror. No alternative for humanity but to put an end to the heinous life of the most notorious killing machine in current world history. Hope for a world short of apartheid regime.”
In earlier remarks he equated Zionism with apartheid, saying: “It's been a faucet for occupation, ethnic cleansing & a real holocaust against [Palestinian] civilians now.”
Jewish leaders expressed shock at what they described as a brazen disregard for Australia's multicultural community, wrote the Daily Mail.
Liberal Senator Claire Chandler branded Sadeghi's statements "absolutely unacceptable" and pointed to the regime's alleged genocidal intentions towards Israel and support for terrorist groups like Hamas.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong's spokesperson said: "We condemn the Ambassador’s comments. There is no place for antisemitism in Australia. The Australian Government expects all diplomats to be respectful and constructive."
Sadeghi's official X account, which is conventionally used for diplomatic updates and photos, has featured multiple images of dead children and inflammatory invective against Israel since the conflict began in October.
He has also used it to share details of an event he attended alongside Australian National University students, where Israel was reportedly condemned as an "apartheid regime."
Pressure has mounted on the Australian government to take a tougher stance on Iran, citing reported intimidation tactics and claims of funding Hamas amid escalating tensions with Western nations.
The Iranian Embassy defended Sadeghi's remarks, asserting they align with Iran's policy for Palestinians to determine their destiny through democratic means.
The Australian National University (ANU) said that the event Sadeghi attended nwas student-led, and the university does not condone discriminatory speech.