Prime Minister Expels Iranian Ambassador in Historic First Since WWII
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Friday that Australia expelled Iran's ambassador in an unprecedented move, marking the first time the country has ejected a foreign diplomat since World War II.
Speaking during a television interview on the Today Show, Albanese said the extraordinary action followed what he described as "an attack on Australian soil orchestrated by foreign power."
"No ambassador has been expelled from Australia in the post war period," Albanese said during the live interview from Ballarat. "That says something about how significant this was."
The prime minister offered no details about the specific incident that prompted the expulsion, but called the decision "appropriate strong action" against what he characterized as completely unacceptable behavior.
"It was a big decision by the Government," Albanese said. "This was an attack on Australian soil orchestrated by foreign power. Completely unacceptable."
The Iranian diplomat's departure occurred Thursday night under what Albanese described as "strange scenes at the airport." The expelled ambassador reportedly claimed that Australians would now be safe in Iran, a statement the prime minister flatly rejected.
"No, in a word," Albanese said when asked if the Iranian official could be trusted. "And I hope he didn't slam the door on the way out."
The diplomatic crisis unfolded as Australian authorities continued an intensive manhunt for a dangerous fugitive in northeastern Victoria, prompting the deployment of an elite Australian Federal Police team.
Police Manhunt Intensifies After Officer Deaths
Albanese confirmed that federal resources have been committed to capturing a suspect described as a "so-called sovereign citizen" following what appears to be a deadly encounter with law enforcement.
"This guy clearly is dangerous. He's on the run and we want him caught," Albanese said. The prime minister identified two fallen officers as Detective Thompson and Senior Constable De Waart, calling them heroes.
"It's a reminder of all of us that the men and women who put on blue to defend us and to look after safety in our local communities take a risk each and every day," he said.
The incident has devastated the small community of Porepunkah, according to Albanese, who said authorities want residents "to feel safe again." He described the situation as a "full court press" with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan receiving "every support that is required" from federal agencies.
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Defense Talks Follow Deputy PM's Washington Visit
The prime minister also addressed his deputy's recent trip to Washington, defending Richard Marles' meetings with senior Trump administration officials amid questions about the visit's purpose and outcomes.
Marles met with Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior officials during what Albanese characterized as routine diplomatic engagement.
"He went to the United States, he met the Vice President, he met the Defence Secretary, he met senior people in the Trump Administration. And that's a good thing," Albanese said.
The deputy prime minister returned to Australia Thursday morning and went "straight into Parliament, straight down to the job," according to Albanese.
When pressed about whether Marles had arranged a meeting between Albanese and President Donald Trump, the prime minister said such arrangements fall under Ambassador Kevin Rudd's responsibilities, not the deputy's role.
"That wasn't his job and it wasn't his issue," Albanese said. "We have office-to-office communication and Ambassador Rudd is responsible for those issues."
Summit Season Meetings Planned
Albanese confirmed he expects multiple encounters with Trump during what he called "summit season," including potential meetings at the UN General Assembly, ASEAN and APEC gatherings.
"I'll be certainly with President Trump a number of times between now and the end of the year," he said. "It's summit season, which sounds glamorous, but isn't. You spend more time on a plane than you do on the land."
The prime minister noted that a previously confirmed meeting with Trump was disrupted when the president left the G7 summit early due to international events. Authorities are also working to finalize arrangements for a Quad meeting.
On defense spending, Albanese emphasized Australia's commitment to necessary investments while deflecting pressure for specific increases sought by the United States.
"We're going to do what we like, which is to provide us with whatever assets we need," he said. The government has announced plans for new frigates, with initial vessels built in Japan and subsequent ones constructed in Australia.
Albanese said defense spending has increased by $10 billion over forward estimates and $57 billion over the medium term.
Political Controversy Over Migration Comments
The prime minister also criticized controversial comments made by crossbench MP Bob Katter regarding migration, though he stopped short of detailing the specific remarks.
"Bob Katter I like, but Bob Katter needs to have a look at that footage. Have a look at himself, frankly, and recognise that that's just not what we expect of any Australian, let alone someone who's in public office," Albanese said.
During the interview, host Sarah Abo noted she was a first-generation migrant, prompting the prime minister to emphasize Australia's multicultural foundation.
"You're speaking to someone called Albanese," he responded, referencing his own Italian heritage. "We've got a Senate leader called Wong. Migration enriches."
The prime minister noted that except for Indigenous Australians, "we're all either migrants or descendants of them."
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