Australia ‘concerned’ by Iran’s action against embassy

Canberra is “concerned” by Iran’s action against Australia’s embassy in Tehran after an Instagram post sparked controversy.

Canberra is “concerned” after its ambassador to Iran was summoned by the Islamic Republic’s government over an Instagram post marking “Wear it Purple Day”.

The post, shared late last week, said the embassy was “dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves”.

Iranian state media was quick to report that the post “promoted homosexuality”.

The Iranian government summoned Australia's ambassador Ian McConville (centre) after the embassy in Tehran made a ‘Wear it Purple Day’ post. Picture: Instagram

Overnight, the semi-official ILNA news agency reported Ian McConville, who was appointed ambassador in April, was summoned over the “norm-breaking” post.

Federal minister Murray Watt on Wednesday defended the embassy in Tehran, saying the post was in line with the government’s “views and values”.

“I am concerned to see this reaction from the Iranian government to the activities of the Australian embassy,” he told the ABC.

“We’re very proud about the fact that our embassies promote Australian values internationally.

“And I’m very concerned to see an overseas government seemingly take action against an Australian embassy that is upholding Australian values.”