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Australia–Iran relations

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Australian-Iranian relations
Map indicating locations of Iran and Australia

Iran
Australia
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Iran, CanberraEmbassy of Australia, Tehran
Monthly value (A$ millions) of Australian merchandise exports to Iran since 1988
Monthly value of Iranian merchandise exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988

Bilateral relations exist between Australia and Iran. Australia has maintained a continuous diplomatic presence in Iran since the Australian Embassy in Tehran was established in 1968.[1] Iran has had an embassy in Canberra since September 1971.[2]

Australia, like most Western countries, has expressed concerns about Iran's human-rights record and its nuclear-weapons program,[2] and has issued sanctions against Iran for abuse and violations of human rights as well as for supplying drones to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine.

According to the 2004 census, 18,798 people in Australia claim to be of Iranian ancestry.[3] It is estimated that 25,000 people of Iranian descent live in Australia, most of whom came after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Trade and sanctions

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In October 2008, Australia imposed sanctions against Iran because of Iran's nuclear program and missile program and efforts to contravene United Nations Security Council sanctions. These sanctions were applied to gold, precious metals, and arms.[2]

In July 2010, Australia imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs or who assist Iran in violating sanctions, and an arms embargo.[4] As of 2011, the two-way trade, which had diminished in recent years, was still $200 million.[citation needed].

Australia imposed further sanctions in January 2013 to limit Australian business with oil, gas, petroleum and financial sectors in Iran. Foreign Minister of Australia Bob Carr said "These sanctions further increase pressure on Iran to comply with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations and with UN Security Council resolutions and to engage in serious negotiations on its nuclear program".[5]

In 2014-15, the two-way trade was more than $354 million.[6] Most international sanctions on Iran were lifted in 2016, following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal.

In 2023 the federal government in Australia issued Magnitsky-style financial sanctions and travel bans against 14 individuals and 14 Iranian entities, including four members of the Basij morality police, who were "responsible for egregious human rights abuses and violations in Iran".[7] The sanctioned Basij members "were responsible for the arrest, detention and ill-treatment of Mahsa 'Jina' Amini", who was detained for not wearing her Hijab correctly and later died in custody.[7] During the protests in the aftermath of her death hundreds were killed, thousands were arrested, four young men were hanged and more the a dozen others were sentenced to death.[8] According to ABC News, Senator Wong said that the sanctions will also include political, military and law enforcement officials responsible for the oppression of the Iranian people.[9] Further sanctions were issued against 13 Iranian individuals and one entity for the manufacture and supply of drones to Russia in its war against Ukraine.[9]

Diplomatic relations

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Australian envoys attended the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Tehran, Iran in August 2012.[10]

On 18 April 2015, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop visited Iran, at the invitation of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. The visit was the first visit of an Australian minister since Alexander Downer in 2003.[11][12] During a private meeting, the Ministers discussed Australia wanting Iran to accept Iranian asylum seekers denied entry to Australia, trade between the two nations and the fight against Islamic State. Leaders were also optimistic that lifting of global sanctions on Iran would boost business opportunities for Australia and economic activity in Iran.[13]

See also

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Relations of Australia and Iran.

References

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  1. ^ Nina Markovic (9 May 2013). "It's complicated: a timeline of Australia–Iran relations in a historical perspective". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  2. ^ a b c "Iran". dfat.gov.au. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2012.
  3. ^ Khoo, Siew-Ean; Lucas, David (24 May 2004). "Australian' Ancestries" (PDF). Australian Census Analytic Program. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 20 July 2008.
  4. ^ Government of Australia, Australia's autonomous sanctions: Iran Archived 30 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine, 29 July 2010
  5. ^ "Australia toughening Iran sanctions". The Sydney Morning Herald. 10 January 2013.
  6. ^ Bishop, Julie (6 May 2016). "Ambassador to Iran" (Press release). Australian Government. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Australia sanctions Iran over human rights abuses, supply of drones to Russia". ABC News. 19 March 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  8. ^ "Australia sanctions Iran over human rights abuses, supply of drones to Russia". ABC News. 19 March 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Australia sanctions Iran over human rights abuses, supply of drones to Russia". ABC News. 19 March 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  10. ^ "AFP: Australia reaches out to nonaligned states at Iran summit". Google News. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  11. ^ Su, Reissa (24 February 2015). "Australia's Julie Bishop Expected To Broker A Deal Between US And Iran In Tehran Visit". International Business Times. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  12. ^ "Julie Bishop to tackle Iran on nuclear and asylum seekers". News Corp Australia. 18 April 2015. Archived from the original on 23 April 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  13. ^ "Julie Bishop discusses asylum seekers, trade, fight against Islamic State in historic meetings in Iran". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
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