Australia–Iran relations

Australia-Iran relations

Australia	Iran

Monthly value (A$ millions) of Australian merchandise exports to Iran since 1988

Monthly value of Iranian merchandise exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988

Australia–Iran relations refer to bilateral relations between Australia and Iran. Australia has maintained a continuous diplomatic presence in Iran since the Australian Embassy in Tehran was established in 1968. Iran has had an embassy in Canberra since 1971.^[1]

According to a 2014 BBC World Service poll, only 11% of Australians surveyed viewed Iran's influence positively, while 78% of those surveyed expressed a negative view. However, the net rating of –67 was much higher than almost all of the other Western countries surveyed (Canada, the US, France, the UK, Germany, Spain, and Israel), with only Russia (–38, with 40% not expressing an opinion) any higher. No similar survey was conducted to ascertain Iranian perceptions of Australia.^[2]

Sanctions

From October 2008, Australia imposed sanctions in relation to Iran's proliferation sensitive nuclear and missile programs and efforts to contravene United Nations Security Council sanction. These sanctions relate to gold, precious metals, and arms.^[3]

The Australian government established further sanctions in January 2013 that limit Australian business with oil, gas, petroleum and financial sectors in Iran. Foreign Minister of Australia Bob Carr said " These sanctions further increase pressure on Iran to comply with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations and with UN Security Council resolutions and to engage in serious negotiations on its nuclear program" ^[4]

Diplomatic relations

Australian envoys attended the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Tehran, Iran in August 2012.^[5]

On April 18, 2015, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop became the first Australian Minister to visit Iran since Alexander Downer in 2003, at the invitation of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.^[6][7] During a private meeting, the Ministers discussed Australia wanting Iran to accept Iranian asylum seekers denied entry to Australia, trade between the two nations and the fight against Islamic State. Leaders were also optimistic that lifting of global sanctions on Iran would boost business opportunities for Australia and economic activity in Iran.^[8]

See also

• Foreign relations of Australia
• Foreign relations of Iran
• Man Haron Monis

References

1. "Iran". dfat.gov.au.
2. "Negative views of Russia on the Rise: Global Poll" – The BBC World Service, p. 31.
3. "Iran". dfat.gov.au.
4. "Australia toughening Iran sanctions". The Sydney Morning Herald.
6. Su, Reissa (February 24, 2015). "Australia's Julie Bishop Expected To Broker A Deal Between US And Iran In Tehran Visit". International Business Times. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
7. "Julie Bishop to tackle Iran on nuclear and asylum seekers". News Corp Australia. April 18, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
8. "Julie Bishop discusses asylum seekers, trade, fight against Islamic State in historic meetings in Iran". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. April 18, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2015.