When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fronted the media this week alongside ASIO chief Mike Burgess, it was with extraordinary news.

Albanese revealed that ASIO now has evidence the Iranian government was behind at least two anti-semitic attacks on Australian soil – the firebombing of a Jewish kitchen in Bondi, and an arson attack on the Adass synagogue in Melbourne.

He said Iran directed the attacks – and then tried to cover up its role. Albanese also announced that he had expelled the Iranian ambassador – a move not taken since World War Two.

It was interesting timing, as Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, made an impromptu visit to the United States – taking secret meetings with unpublished agendas. 

Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton on the high-stakes diplomacy behind closed doors  and the shifting lines of trust between the US, Israel and Australia.

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Guest: Press gallery journalist, Karen Middleton