Australia condemns Iran ‘violence’ as anti-government protests spread
The Australian government has condemned attacks by Iranian authorities on protesters as the country experiences its worst unrest in years.
At least seven people were reportedly killed in anti-government protests that spread from the capital Tehran to regional provinces on Friday.
The biggest protests since 2022 began when traders in the capital closed their shops in response to the currency collapse on December 29.
But they quickly morphed into a broader revolt against the authoritarian regime, which protesters accused of corruption and mismanagement of the economy and basic resources such as water.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement that the government would continue to “strongly support the human rights of the Iranian people.”
“The Australian government condemns the violence committed by Iranian authorities and calls on Iran to respect the rights of peaceful protesters,” the spokesman said.
“The Australian government has consistently and forcefully voiced our concerns directly to Iran about human rights abuses, destabilization of the Middle East and foreign interference in Australia.”
The spokesman noted the “strong action” of the Albanian government against Iran; this includes supporting Australia’s Autonomous Sanctions Framework to “ensure that individuals and organizations involved in domestic repression are sanctioned”.
“Since September 2022, we have also imposed sanctions on 200 individuals and entities with Iran ties, including almost 100 IRGC-linked officials and entities,” the spokesman said.
Iran’s ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, was ordered to leave the country in August after ASIO alleged the regime was carrying out attacks on the Australian Jewish community in Sydney and Melbourne.
Iranian-born independent Ryde councilor and former Greens member from Sydney Tina Kordrostami has called on the Albanian government to keep its Iranian embassy closed and remain vigilant against businesses with links to the Islamic Republic.
“Obviously we need to continue to look at all the different key players who still have access to Australia and are operating within the regime,” he said.
“Not only do these people come and go as they please, but so do their families.”
Ms Kordrostami said there was hope among the Iranian diaspora in Australia that the recent protests could lead to the collapse of the regime, although the society had become even more fragmented.
“We’re all at the point of biting our nails,” he said.
“In the past years, we would all protest and take to the streets, but right now, people in Iran are doing the most work and we need to show support to them.
“We should not focus on being so divided because of different political factions in the diaspora and show them that we will support them no matter what.”
The religious establishment in Iran seized power from the US-backed Shah, or king, in 1979 in a popular revolution heavily supported by left-wing groups.
It has endured years of war with neighboring Iran, as well as numerous popular uprisings, including the Green Movement of 2009, when Iranians took to the streets to protest the fraudulent re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over reform candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.
After the death of Mahsa Amini, who was killed after her arrest by the morality police, in 2022, Iranians took to the streets again.
The movement attracted international attention but faced a brutal crackdown by authorities.
In recent years, Iran has witnessed sporadic popular uprisings, especially as it grapples with rapid devaluation of its currency and a worsening water crisis.
Iran also fought a 12-day war with Israel in 2025.
Iran is currently listed as a “no travel destination” by the Australian government and the ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.
