Australia designates Iran's IRGC as state sponsor of terrorism

Australia officially designates Iran"s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Australia made a significant move in its counter-terrorism efforts by officially designating Iran"s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism. This decision was announced by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and marks a pivotal moment in Australian foreign policy, particularly concerning national security and international relations.

Key Details

The designation of the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism is the first under the newly enacted Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025. This legislation empowers the Australian government to impose severe penalties on individuals and organizations that support, fund, associate with, recruit for, or train with the IRGC. Violating these provisions can lead to a maximum prison sentence of 25 years.

Foreign Minister Wong cited intelligence reports that directly link the IRGC to antisemitic arson attacks that occurred at Jewish sites in Sydney and Melbourne in August 2025. These incidents have raised significant concerns about the safety and security of the Jewish community in Australia, prompting the government to take decisive action against the IRGC.

The IRGC, established in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution, is a branch of Iran"s Armed Forces and is known for its involvement in various military and paramilitary operations both within Iran and abroad. The group has been accused of supporting terrorist organizations and engaging in activities that threaten regional and global security.

Background

The Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025 was introduced to provide the Australian government with the necessary tools to combat terrorism more effectively. By designating specific organizations as state sponsors of terrorism, the law aims to deter potential supporters and collaborators from engaging with these entities. The IRGC"s designation is particularly significant given its history of involvement in international terrorism and its role in destabilizing regions across the Middle East.

Australia"s decision aligns with similar actions taken by other countries, including the United States, which has long classified the IRGC as a terrorist organization. This global consensus on the threat posed by the IRGC underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism.

What"s Next

The implications of this designation are profound. It not only criminalizes any form of support for the IRGC within Australia but also sends a strong message to other nations about Australia"s commitment to fighting terrorism. The Australian government is expected to enhance its intelligence-sharing and cooperation with international partners to monitor and address any threats posed by the IRGC and its affiliates.

As the situation evolves, it will be crucial for Australian authorities to remain vigilant in protecting the Jewish community and other potential targets of antisemitic violence. The government may also face pressure to implement additional measures to counteract the influence of the IRGC in the region and to ensure the safety of its citizens.

For further insights on related international developments, see our coverage on Turkey condemning the maritime border agreement between Lebanon and Cyprus.

This designation marks a critical step in Australia"s ongoing efforts to address and mitigate the threats posed by terrorism on its soil and abroad.