Australian Ambassador Ian McConville has left Iran as Tehran formally downgraded diplomatic relations this week in retaliation for Australia’s expulsion of the Iranian ambassador over alleged state-sponsored antisemitic attacks.

“According to diplomatic law and in response to Australia’s action, the Islamic Republic has also reciprocally reduced the level of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Iran,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced, confirming that McConville had already departed the country.

Tensions boiled over between both countries on August 26 when Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese directly blamed Iran for antisemitic arson attacks targeting Jewish communities in Sydney and Melbourne. Intelligence officials concluded Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps directed the October fire at Lewis Continental Cafe, a kosher establishment in Sydney, and December’s arson attack on Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.