Iran-Backed Group Could Carry Out Attacks and Assassinations in Australia, ASIO Warns

Melbourne, June 26: Australia’s domestic intelligence agency has warned that an Iran-backed group could carry out acts of violence, including arson, vandalism and even targeted assassinations on Australian soil, as the country’s security environment continues to deteriorate.

In his annual threat assessment, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess said the combination of global geopolitical tensions, conflict in the Middle East, foreign interference and growing social divisions had significantly increased Australia’s security challenges.

Mr Burgess said ASIO assesses there is a realistic possibility that an Iran-backed network, already active in Europe, could expand its operations into Australia.

“We assess there is a realistic possibility the group that’s been active in Europe will expand its networks to this part of the world, and could conduct or inspire acts of arson, vandalism, or even assassinations on Australian soil,” he said.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess says Australia’s security environment has significantly deteriorated due to rising terrorism, foreign interference, espionage and cyber threats.
Photo: CC BY 3.0

Terrorism Threat Growing

Mr Burgess warned that global terrorist organisations, including Islamic State (IS), al-Qaeda and their affiliates, continue to rebuild their capability to conduct or inspire attacks against Western interests.

He noted that Australia’s terrorism threat level remains at “Probable“, but stressed that the current security environment is more concerning than the rating alone suggests.

“We do not have intelligence about a specific attack, but politically motivated violence is becoming increasingly likely,” he said.

According to ASIO, extremists are increasingly becoming radicalised online and acting alone, making attacks more difficult to detect before they occur.

Foreign Espionage Intensifying

Mr Burgess revealed that at least five foreign governments are currently targeting Australians through espionage, with many victims being critics of foreign regimes.

He disclosed that ASIO recently intercepted two foreign intelligence officers attempting to coerce an individual at a fast-food restaurant in Victoria.

He also warned that Australia should not be surprised if a foreign government eventually succeeds in killing an Australian citizen on Australian soil.

Cyber Sabotage Threat

The annual assessment also revealed that foreign state-sponsored hackers had infiltrated the network of a major Australian critical infrastructure provider.

According to ASIO, the hackers obtained login credentials belonging to IT professionals responsible for protecting the network and were preparing for possible future sabotage.

ASIO worked with the affected organisation and security partners to contain the breach, with remediation efforts continuing.

AUKUS a Prime Intelligence Target

Mr Burgess said the AUKUS defence partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States has become a major target for foreign intelligence agencies.

He described a recent case in which a foreign intelligence operative posed as a consultant and paid an Australian security-cleared official to write research reports before attempting to obtain classified information about AUKUS.

The official became suspicious and reported the approach to ASIO, allowing the agency to disrupt the espionage operation.

Concerns Over Antisemitism

Mr Burgess also expressed concern about rising antisemitism, saying it has become a common theme among Islamist extremists, neo-Nazi groups and some politically motivated extremist movements.

He noted that ASIO alleges Iran coordinated recent arson attacks targeting Jewish-linked locations in Sydney and Melbourne.

At the same time, he emphasised that criticism of the Israeli government should not be confused with antisemitism, while warning that violence and intimidation are unacceptable regardless of political views.