History of the Australia-Islamic Republic of Iran relationship
Australia first opened an Embassy in Tehran in 1968. Iran has maintained a diplomatic presence in Australia since opening its Embassy in Canberra in 1971.
The Hon Joan Child, the first female Speaker of the Australian House of Representations, with Iranian Minister for Agriculture, H E Dr Ali Abbas-Ali Zali (1986)
Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam with the Mayor of Tehran and the Iranian Ambassador to Australia (1974)
Members of the Iranian national soccer team in front of the Sydney Opera House, before a World Cup qualifying match against Australia (1973)
Australian and Iranian soccer players face off in the famous qualifying match for the 1998 FIFA World Cup (1997)
Present day
Australia and Iran maintain diplomatic relations. Australia suspended the operations of our Embassy in Tehran in 2025. The Iranian Embassy in Canberra remains operational under a Chargé d'Affaires.
Australia and Iran continue to engage in dialogue on a range of important issues, including regional stability, human rights, immigration and consular matters.
Australia is home to a significant Iranian diaspora community, and there are radio, television and government services available in Farsi all over the country.
Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop speaks with then-President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani (2015)
Former Trade Minister Steven Ciobo meets with Chairman of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Mines, Gholamhossein Shafei (2016)
Please read more at: Iran country brief | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au)