home page
Move welcomed

Government imposes new Iran sanctions 

Jewish public affairs organisation calls for the listing of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, stronger Australian stance on Iran generally

By AJN STAFF October 20, 2023, 1:38 pm Edit
Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) at a 2018 march marking the anniversary of the 1980-1988 war with Iraq. Photo: Stringer/AFP
Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) at a 2018 march marking the anniversary of the 1980-1988 war with Iraq. Photo: Stringer/AFP

The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) has welcomed the federal government’s recent announcement of sanctions on three individuals and 11 entities associated with Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

The entities include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, Air Force and Missile Command, due to its association with previously designated figures and entities working on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

AIJAC further commended the Government for continuing UN sanctions on 19 Iranian individuals and 57 entities involved in the nuclear and missile programs after those sanctions expired under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, reimposing them under Australia’s autonomous sanctions framework.

In the wake of the hideous terrorist pogrom by Hamas on October 7, in which Iran is deeply complicit if not directly responsible, AIJAC also reiterated its call for the listing of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation under Australia’s Criminal Code.

“AIJAC also hopes to see a generally stronger Australian stance on Iran, including more sanctions announced more often, targeting a host of other Iranian regime activities – including Iran’s material support for Russia’s war against Ukraine and terrorist groups throughout the world, as well as its hostage-taking, piracy and ongoing human rights abuses,” the organisation said.

The latter includes especially the alleged assault on 16-year-old Armita Garavand – who is now in a military hospital under heavy guard and reportedly brain dead – by Iran’s so-called “morality police” in early October for not wearing her hijab.

“This abusive act of regime violence warrants a statement by the government and additional sanctions under the new Iran sanctions framework Australia established in July,” AIJAC said.

AIJAC said it has long been calling for Australia to take a tougher stand on Iran both rhetorically and practically, and has repeatedly urged the government to take much stronger action since December 2022 to bring Australia more in line with its allies and partners, as well as with its own values and national security interests.

read more:
comments