Australia grants residency to daughter of sanctioned Iranian military adviser
Australia granted permanent residency to Hanieh Safavi, the daughter of Iranian Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, a sanctioned adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a former senior figure in the Revolutionary Guards, despite repeated warnings to the government, The Australian reported on Wednesday.
Safavi arrived on a student visa in 2024 and later obtained a skilled independent visa. She is now registered as a provisional psychologist in Australia.
Her residency has drawn criticism from members of the Iranian diaspora and opposition lawmakers. Liberal Senator Dave Sharma wrote to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke that it was “concerning and potentially alarming that the daughter of a senior IRGC commander, on the Australian sanctions list, appears to be residing in Australia.”
An Iranian-Australian activist also wrote to authorities, saying: “(Ms Safavi) left her IRGC commander father behind and came to live freely in Australia. This is the injustice I cannot remain silent about.” He added that the issue was about ensuring the visa system “applies the same rigorous standards to everyone.”
A government spokesperson said all visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and must satisfy all criteria before approval.
Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show Iran has taken steps to repair and fortify several nuclear and military sites that were struck in last year’s conflict with Israel and the United States.
At the sensitive Parchin military complex southeast of Tehran, imagery indicates Iran has built a concrete structure over a newly constructed facility and covered it with soil. Analysts from the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) said the work appeared aimed at shielding the site, identified as Taleghan 2, from potential airstrikes.
At the Isfahan nuclear complex, which was bombed by the United States during last year’s fighting, images show that tunnel entrances have been backfilled with soil. Analysts said burying the entrances could make future airstrikes less effective and complicate any ground operation.
Near the Natanz enrichment site, satellite imagery shows ongoing efforts to strengthen tunnel entrances under a nearby mountain, with heavy equipment and construction activity visible.
Images also indicate repair work at missile bases near Shiraz and Qom that were damaged in previous strikes, including reconstruction of buildings and new roofing.
The activity comes as Washington seeks a negotiated deal with Tehran over its nuclear program while warning that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails.
