Australian Prime Minister Condemns Iranian Ambassador's Praise for Hassan Nasrallah

Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, condemned the Iranian Ambassador's praise for the deceased Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Lebanon, but simultaneously rejected calls from opponents for his expulsion. Ahmad Sadeghi described Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli missile attack in September in Lebanon, as an 'exceptional leader' on social media. The Australian Prime Minister told reporters in Sydney that 'the government condemns any support for terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.' This group, supported by the Islamic Republic, is listed as a terrorist organization by several countries around the world. Mr. Albanese noted that 'Australia has maintained a continuous relationship with Iran since 1968,' adding that this is not because 'we agree with the regime, but this connection serves as a channel for protecting Australia’s interests and conveying our and our allies' views.' He criticized the previous Australian government's stance towards Iran, stating that his government has sanctioned Iranian individuals and entities, while the former government had been 'silent' on Iran. Peter Dutton, the opposition leader who may become Australia's Prime Minister in the upcoming May elections, called for Ahmad Sadeghi's expulsion, describing his remarks as 'completely contrary to what is in our country's interest.' The Associated Press noted that Ahmad Sadeghi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. American lawmakers commented on Nasrallah's death: Israel has the right to defend itself. Users expressed anger over the announcement of public mourning for Nasrallah following the government's indifference to the deaths of Iranian miners. A Republican senator stated that Nasrallah's death is 'a service to humanity.'