Australian Parliament Reviews IRGC Terrorism Listing with Iranian Community Input

Canberra - Australia's Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) held a public hearing on Thursday, February 26, to review the government's designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism, with Iranian Australians providing testimony on the group's activities.

The IRGC, a branch of Iran's armed forces that reports directly to Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was listed by the Australian government in November 2025 under new legislation allowing for the sanctioning of state entities involved in terrorism.

The designation followed an assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) linking the IRGC to at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil, including incidents targeting Jewish communities in Melbourne and Sydney.

The hearing, held in Canberra and broadcast online, featured submissions from Iranian Australians, human rights organizations and academic experts.

Witnesses shared accounts of repression by the IRGC both in Iran and abroad, highlighting its role in internal security operations and overseas activities that have affected diaspora communities.

"Submitters to this review have shared concerning details about their experiences with the IRGC, both abroad and here in Australia.

"The Committee wants to ensure that the voices of Iranian Australians are heard in the review listing process, along with human rights organisations and academic experts," PJCIS Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone said in a statement ahead of the hearing.

The listing activates criminal offenses under Australia's Criminal Code, including penalties of up to 25 years' imprisonment for directing, financing or supporting the IRGC.

 It marks the first use of the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025, which came into effect in November 2025.

Iran's foreign ministry condemned the designation as "illegal, unjustifiable and in violation of international rules and norms that safeguard a state's sovereignty," according to a statement released shortly after the listing.

"Iran is expressing its disgust at the compliance of certain Australian policymakers with the malicious policy of the genocidal Israeli regime in spreading lies against Iran," the ministry added, accusing Australia of aligning with Israel's interests.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the move.

"Iran's attacks were unprecedented and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil, which is why we are listing the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism.

"It has no place in Australia. The Albanese Government has taken stronger action on Iran than any previous Australian government and will continue to work to keep Australians safe," Wong said.  

The IRGC has been designated as a terrorist organization by several other countries, including the United States since 2019, Canada, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the European Union as of January 2026.  

 Ecuador and Paraguay have also listed the group, while Argentina has proscribed its Quds Force branch.

During the hearing, representatives from the Iranian Australian community, including Dr. Rana Dadpour of the Australian Iranian Community Network (AUSIRAN), expressed support for the listing.

Dadpour told the committee that the IRGC's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Criminal Code was a critical step in addressing the group's transnational threats, emphasizing its history of repression against dissidents and involvement in attacks beyond Iran's borders.

The review, which began in December 2025, invited public submissions until January 23, 2026.  

The committee is expected to report its findings to parliament later this year. Australia expelled Iran's ambassador in August 2025 following the ASIO assessment, and suspended embassy operations in Tehran.

The government has stated that the listing serves as a deterrent to terrorist activities and empowers law enforcement to address any support for the IRGC within Australia.