Embassy encourages Australia-based Iranians to volunteer to help war effort

Lead

Iranian embassies in four countries have openly promoted a campaign calling on Iranians abroad to volunteer to fight in defense of their country, stirring concern and prompting responses from Australia and the United Kingdom. The recruitment drive, known as 'Janfada' — or 'sacrificing life' — has been publicized on official embassy channels in the UK, Germany, Australia, and Sri Lanka, according to multiple reports. The Australian Federal Police are investigating the matter, and Britain has summoned Iran's ambassador to London.

Coverage Comparison

The story was covered by The Guardian, which focused on the Australian angle, and by the Jerusalem Post, which reported on both the UK response and the broader multinational recruitment efforts. Both outlets highlighted the recruitment drive's implications for national security and the legal questions it raises.

According to The Guardian, the Iranian embassy in Canberra promoted the recruitment initiative on its website and Telegram channel, providing instructions on how to register through a consular services system run by Iran's foreign ministry. The message was removed after inquiries were made to the embassy. The Guardian noted that the embassy had its ambassador expelled last year.

The Jerusalem Post reported on the UK's diplomatic response, noting that Britain summoned Iran's ambassador over the embassy's social media comments, which the government described as "unacceptable and inflammatory." Hamish Falconer, Britain's minister for the Middle East, made clear that the embassy "must cease any form of communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in the UK or internationally."

Both outlets cited the Iranian embassy in London's call for "proud compatriots residing in the United Kingdom" to join the campaign, with the statement reading, "Let us all, one and all, give our lives in battle. Rather than surrender our country to the enemy."

Key Claims

• Multinational recruitment drive: The Iranian embassies in the UK, Germany, Australia, and Sri Lanka have sought recruits for the 'Janfada' campaign, according to the Jerusalem Post. This claim is supported by The Guardian's report on the Australian embassy's activities.
• Statements from the Iranian embassy in London: The embassy posted a statement on Telegram calling for Iranians in Britain to volunteer, inviting "all brave and distinguished children of Iran" to participate. A spokesman for the embassy later denied that the campaign promotes hostility, stating that the 'Janfada' platform is intended for Iranians who wish to support and defend their country. This denial was reported by the Jerusalem Post, citing an interview with The Daily Mail.
• Israel's response: Israel's Foreign Ministry commented on the recruitment calls, stating, "Diplomatic cover cannot be a shield for terror activity. Acting against such missions is a necessary response to a regime that exploits diplomacy to spread violence." This statement was included in the Jerusalem Post's coverage.
• Australian law and police investigation: The Australian Federal Police are investigating the embassy's post, as Australian law makes it an offence to enter a foreign country intending to "engage in a hostile activity" unless serving with foreign armed forces, with penalties up to life imprisonment. It is also illegal to recruit a person to join the Iranian military or an organisation engaged in hostile activities. These details were reported by The Guardian.
• UK's diplomatic action: The UK summoned Iran's ambassador over the embassy's comments, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. The British government did not specify which social media comments it was referring to, but lawmakers have warned of threats posed by Iran.

Perspectives

Australian officials and activists: The Guardian reported that Dr. Rana Dadpour, founder of the advocacy group Australian United Solidarity for Iran (AusIran), described the embassy's promotion of the recruitment drive as "unbelievable" and called for the embassy to be closed. The Australian Federal Police are investigating.

Iranian embassy in London: A spokesman denied that the campaign promotes hostility, saying it is intended for Iranians who wish to support and defend their country. The embassy's statements have been described as encouraging participation in a campaign to sacrifice lives.

UK government: The Foreign Office summoned Iran's ambassador, and Minister Hamish Falconer warned the embassy to cease communications that could encourage violence. The British government described the embassy's comments as "unacceptable and inflammatory."

Israel: The Foreign Ministry condemned the recruitment efforts, asserting that diplomatic cover cannot be used to shield terror activity.