TEHRAN – The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Australian Ambassador to Tehran on Monday, to address his country's lack of partiality regarding the ongoing events in West Asia. 

Iran summoned Ian McConville for discussions after a series of anti-Iran remarks and statements by the Australian government, which continues to show untrammeled support for Israel since last year despite the regime’s harrowing crimes in Gaza and Lebanon. 

Last month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the Iranian Ambassador to Canberra’s condolence message on the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General whom Israel killed with 85 tonnes of bomb. Australia also condemned Iran’s October 1 operation against Israeli positions in the occupied territories, without addressing the Zionist moves that had elicited the military action. 

During his meeting with McConville, the director general for the Asia-Pacific department at the Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed strong disapproval of the Australian government's “unjust” and “biased” stance on regional issues, particularly concerning the provocations of the Zionist regime that have heightened tensions. This includes the assassination of Hamas Leader, Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Hezbollah secretary-general in Lebanon, and IRGC Qods Force high-ranking commander, General Abbas Nilforushan in Beirut.

Mahmoud Mohammadi criticized Australia's inconsistent approach to regional matters and its silence on the repeated aggressions perpetrated by the Zionist regime against Gaza and Lebanon.

Mohammadi emphasized Iran's inherent right to legitimate self-defense in light of the ongoing violations of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as attacks on Iranian citizens and interests. 

He characterized the missile operations conducted by the Iranian armed forces as lawful and necessary actions aimed at protecting the national security of the Iranian populace and ensuring regional stability.

The Iranian diplomat underscored the urgent need for an immediate cessation of the genocide in Gaza and the aggressions by the occupying Zionist regime against Lebanon, urging Australia and other Western nations that support this regime to take responsible action.

Mohammadi highlighted that one-sided and partial approaches to regional issues, along with a self-serving interpretation of international laws and standards, do not aid in reducing tensions in the area; instead, they empower the aggressor.

In the meeting, the Australian ambassador discussed his government's alleged initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, noting that he would communicate Iran's official protest to his government.

Ian McConville was appointed as the Australian ambassador to Iran in May 2024, as stated by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. McConville currently holds the position of head of the Embassy of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Islamic Republic of Iran.