TEHRAN - Iran's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned Australia's decision to expel Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, calling it unjustified and contrary to bilateral traditions.

In a statement, the ministry rejected Canberra's allegation that Iran was directing antisemitic attacks in Australia, adding that anti-Semitism is a Western phenomenon that has been misused to silence criticism of Israel's Palestinian policies.

The ministry accused Australia of following Israeli policies to divert attention from Israel's "ongoing atrocities" in Gaza and to increase regional tensions, and warned of possible reciprocal measures from Tehran.

It urged Australia to reconsider its "wrong decision," and said Canberra will bear responsibility for any consequences affecting Iranians in Australia.

Earlier in the day, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a press conference accused Iran of directing antisemitic attacks in Australia and announced that the Iranian ambassador had been told to leave the country.

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Three other Iranian officials had been declared persona non grata and would be required to leave Australia within seven days.

Albanese said the Australian Security Intelligence Organization has gathered credible evidence that Iran directed at least two antisemitic attacks against the Australian Jewish community in Sydney and Melbourne since October 2023.

He said that the Australian embassy in Tehran had suspended operations and all its diplomats are safe in a third country, and that Canberra will move to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

According to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, it was the first time an ambassador had been expelled from Australia since World War II. Wong urged any Australians in Iran to leave if it is safe to do so.