Australia has accused Iran of directing two antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne and has ordered the expulsion of Iran's ambassador, the first such move since World War Two.

Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and three other officials were told to leave within seven days. Sadeghi was seen on Wednesday at the Iranian embassy in Canberra but made no comment to the media.

On Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned Australia's decision to expel Sadeghi, calling it unjustified and contrary to bilateral traditions.

In a statement, the ministry rejected Canberra's allegations, calling anti-Semitism a "Western phenomenon" that has been misused to silence criticism of Israel's Palestinian policies.

The ministry accused Australia of following Israeli policies to divert attention from Israel's "ongoing atrocities" in Gaza and to increase regional tensions. It warned of possible reciprocal measures from Tehran. It urged Australia to reconsider its "wrong decision" and said Canberra will bear responsibility for any consequences affecting Iranians in Australia.

The Australian government on Wednesday rejected claims that its actions to were taken to appease Israel. Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said Iran had "crossed a line" after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday accused the Middle Eastern nation of directing antisemitic attacks in Australia since October 2023.

Responding to the accusation, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Canberra "should know better than to appease" the Israeli regime.

Wong said that the government rejected the claim and had faith in Australian Security Intelligence Organization's (ASIO) assessment. "This is a violent attack on Australian soil against Australians. It cannot be countenanced. It's unacceptable," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

"That's why we have taken unprecedented action. This is the first expulsion of an ambassador in the post-war period," she said.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told the ABC on Wednesday that the accusations against Iran were "not made lightly" and that the Australian public should have a "very high level" of confidence in ASIO's assessment.

(With input from agencies)