Tehran's embassy in Canberra is promoting a recruitment drive for a paramilitary campaign to defend Iran from US forces, according to multiple reports. The Australian federal police are investigating the matter. The embassy's website and Telegram channel posted a message instructing people on how to register for the voluntary 'Janfada' program. The message was removed after questions were sent to the embassy. The message caused alarm among diaspora groups, with Dr Rana Dadpour, founder of Australian United Solidarity for Iran (AusIran), calling for the embassy to be closed down. Under Australian law, it is an offence to enter a foreign country intending to engage in hostile activity unless serving in armed forces, and to recruit a person to join the Iranian military or an organisation engaged in hostile activities. The Australian federal police said they were aware of the posts and will provide an update at an appropriate time. In November 2024, the federal government listed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism. Iran's 'Janfada' campaign was launched last month amid concerns the US could launch a ground operation against the regime. Iranian embassies abroad, including in Sri Lanka, have also shared messages promoting the campaign. According to The Guardian - World, the Iranian Australian Monarchist Association described the promotion of the campaign as raising significant legal and national security concerns. In August 2025, Australia expelled Tehran's ambassador.
The conflict escalated dramatically on 28 February 2026, when Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in US and Israeli air strikes, according to five research sources. Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani was also killed, according to Iranian state media. Iran's army chief warned of a 'decisive, deterrent, and regretful response' after Larijani's death. The Revolutionary Guards reportedly launched missiles at central Israel in revenge. US President Donald Trump lashed out at NATO allies, saying the US does not need their help. An Iranian missile strike on Ramat Gan, Israel, killed a man and a woman in their 70s, according to a Magen David Adom spokesperson. An Iranian projectile landed near Australia's military base in the UAE, causing minor damage but no Australian casualties, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least six people were killed and 24 injured in Israeli strikes on central Beirut. Khamenei served as Iran's supreme leader since 1989 and previously as president. As of Monday, 787 people had been confirmed killed across Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. At least 165 schoolgirls and staff were killed in a strike on a school in southern Minab city, according to two research sources. The CIA gathered information about a Saturday morning meeting that would include Khamenei and senior military officials, and shared it with Israel, The New York Times reported citing anonymous sources. CBS reported that the CIA shared Khamenei's location data with Israel, citing an anonymous official. The United States struck Iran in 2026 after years of tension over Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional influence, according to ten research sources. The US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, and attempts to negotiate a new agreement in 2025 and 2026 failed. Israel's operation on June 13, 2025 targeted nuclear facilities, military sites, and regime infrastructure, killing top military leaders and nuclear scientists. President Trump opposed an Israeli plan to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to two sources. A senior US official said the US communicated to Israel that Trump opposed the plan, and the plan was not executed. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called reports of Trump rejecting an Israeli plan 'FAKE', according to a Netanyahu spokesperson. According to www.cnn.com, Donald Trump described the US as not involved in the killing, but said it was possible the US could get involved. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against Israel, US bases, and US-allied countries. The conflict caused surges in oil prices and global economic disruption.
The Iranian Australian Monarchist Association said promoting the campaign raised significant legal and national security concerns.
Separately, an Australian man was charged with remitting about $650,000 to Iranian banks in contravention of Australian sanctions, the AFP said. The AFP warned that foreign intelligence agencies are increasingly working with organised criminals to carry out serious crimes in Australia, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said. ASIO established direct links between the Iranian regime and two antisemitic attacks in Australia on a synagogue and a bakery. Former Iranian diplomat Mohammad Pournajaf defected and was granted asylum in Australia, according to Iran International and a government source. Six members of the Iranian women's football squad were granted humanitarian visas in Australia, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said.
Iran's army chief warned of a 'decisive, deterrent, and regretful response' after Larijani's death.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called reports of Trump rejecting an Israeli plan 'FAKE'.
Trump told ABC News on Sunday morning: 'We're not involved in it. It's possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved.'