Iran is restricted due to a combination of international sanctions over its nuclear program, support for terrorism, and human rights violations, alongside severe domestic restrictions on personal freedoms, expression, and access to information, enforced by the theocratic government against its own people and dissenters, leading to widespread protests and volatile security.
On 28 August 2025, France, Germany and the UK triggered the 'snapback' of the UNSC's sanctions on the basis that Iran had not complied with its obligations under the JCPOA. On 28 September 2025, the UNSC sanctions that has been eased under resolution 2231 and the JCPOA were automatically reimposed by the UNSC.
Australia imposes sanctions in relation to Iran. More information on the sanctions imposed is on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) website. DFAT encourages Australian businesses with activities in Iran and bordering countries to review the Consolidated List.
Because Iranian leaders see Christianity as a threat to Islam, the printing, sale, and distribution of Bibles is illegal. Iranian Christians can't go online a purchase a Bible. They can't walk to the nearest bookstore to browse the Bible selection. They're not even allowed to own God's Word.
The United States attributes the worsening of relations to the 1979–81 Iran hostage crisis, Iran's repeated human rights abuses since the Islamic Revolution, different restrictions on using spy methods on democratic revolutions by the US, its anti-Western ideology and its nuclear program.
Iran has close ties with Lebanon and considers it an ally. Iran also has close ties with the Lebanese political party Hezbollah and its militia force to whom it reportedly provides as much as $100 million in supplies and weaponry per year. Iran has been a staunch supporter of both Lebanon and Hezbollah against Israel.
Current foreign adversaries
Iran is an Islamic state known for its hostility to Israel. The country is also home to a longstanding Jewish community, with at least a dozen active synagogues in the capital city of Tehran, mikvahs, kosher butchers, a Jewish library, and even a Jewish newspaper.
The appeal of Christianity
At the heart of many conversions is a deep desire for a personal relationship with God. Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offers salvation and eternal life to all who believe in him. For many Muslims, the message of grace, forgiveness, and love is incredibly compelling.
The law considers these activities to be proselytizing and punishable by death. In addition, citizens who are not recognized as Christians, Zoroastrians, or Jews may not engage in public religious expression, such as worshiping in a church or wearing religious symbols such as a cross.
Based on the 2021 Australian Census, Hinduism was the fastest-growing religion by percentage increase, with its adherents growing by 148.2% between 2011 and 2021, while Islam and Sikhism also saw significant growth, and the largest group remained those with "No Religion".
Second Trump presidency
In February 2025, the Trump administration imposed new sanctions targeting an international network accused of selling millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China, with proceeds funding Iran's military and terrorist activities.
While the United States (US) is Australia's key strategic ally and often seen as a very close partner by leaders, public opinion polls consistently show New Zealand as Australia's "best friend" in the world, followed by the US and then the United Kingdom, reflecting deep cultural and historical ties with both neighbors.
U.S. citizens in Iran face serious dangers including terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and wrongful detention. Some U.S. nationals have been held for years on false charges, subjected to torture, and even sentenced to death.
On 9 August 2005 Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a fatwa that the production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons are forbidden under Islam and that Iran shall never acquire these weapons.
On 19 August 1953, Prime Minister of Iran Mohammad Mosaddegh was overthrown in a coup d'état orchestrated by the United States (CIA) and the United Kingdom (MI6). A key motive was to protect British oil interests in Iran after Mossadegh nationalized and refused to concede to western oil demands.
By 2050, Christianity is projected to remain the world's largest religion, but Islam is expected to nearly equal it in numbers, with both groups comprising around 30-31% of the global population, driven by higher birth rates in Muslim-majority areas and significant growth in Christian populations, particularly in developing regions, according to Pew Research Center analyses.
In 2030, Muslims will experience a rare "double Ramadan," fasting twice within the Gregorian calendar year (early January and late December) due to the lunar Islamic calendar's shift; demographic trends suggest continued significant growth, with India potentially having the largest Muslim population and substantial increases in Europe and the U.S., while religious practices will focus on increased devotion and reflection during these two holy months.
Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering the following countries: Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.
Philo speaks of the numerous Jews resident in that country, a population that was likely increased by immigrants after the destruction of Jerusalem. In Jerusalem from early times, Jews had looked to the east for help. With the fall of Jerusalem, Babylonia became a kind of bulwark of Judaism.
“Jews can buy homes anywhere in the world, in France, in Turkey and even in Iran,” said Shlomo Levinger a spokesman for some 20 Jewish families who want to move into the buildings.
While there's no single "best friend," China is Russia's most crucial strategic partner, especially economically and politically, described as "friends of steel," with strong military and trade ties. Belarus is considered the closest ally in the post-Soviet space, while India, North Korea, Iran, and Turkey also feature prominently as key friends or partners, often united by shared geopolitical interests or opposition to Western influence.
North Korea is the hardest country to get a tourist visa, as the government tightly controls foreign visitors and restricts independent travel. Tourists must join guided tours, follow strict rules, and are closely monitored throughout their visit, making entry extremely difficult compared to most other countries.
Sweden and Switzerland are independently of each other famed for their armed neutralities, which they maintained throughout both World War I and World War II. The Swiss and the Swedes each have a long history of neutrality: they have not been in a state of war internationally since 1815 and 1814, respectively.