Ian McConville was summoned in Tehran and admonished over Australia’s position on the war in the Middle East – including on Iran’s response to what it described as “the Zionist regime” in Israel.

McConville responded by explaining the Australian government’s attempts to call for a ceasefire and said he would notify the government of Iran’s position. 

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Australia “makes no apology” for the views it has expressed about Iran’s actions.

“The Australian government condemned Iran’s reckless missile strikes on Israel.  They were a dangerous escalation and increased the risks of a wider regional war,” the statement read.

“The Australian Government continues to call on all parties to exercise restraint and de-escalate. 

“The destructive cycle of violence in the region must stop”

Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed McConville was summoned to Tehran in a statement.

“In light of the repeated biased positions of the Australian government, which are contrary to the principles of international law regarding recent regional developments, Ian McConville, the Australian Ambassador to Tehran, was summoned to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Director General for Asia and Oceania of the ministry,” the statement read.

“The official with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong objection to the unjustified and biased positions of the Australian government regarding regional developments and the adventurism of the Zionist regime in escalating regional tensions.

“Including the assassination of the political bureau chief of the Hamas movement in Tehran, the Secretary General of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and General Nilforoushan who was a senior Iranian military advisor in Beirut.”

Iran launched dozens of missiles toward Israel on Tuesday in what it said was a response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and others.