Iran to spy on Aust foreign fighters
By Rashida Yosufzai
April 20, 2015, 9:13 am
Australia will tap into Iran's "sophisticated" and broad intelligence network to track foreign fighters under an unprecedented spy co-operation deal.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop brokered what she describes as an informal arrangement following meetings with Iranian officials in Tehran at the weekend.
Ms Bishop says it will be highly beneficial in combating Australians who have joined Islamic State terrorists, given Iran's strong military presence and long-standing relationship with Iraq.
Iran had a sophisticated intelligence network and operatives in places where Australia didn't.
"There is a lot of information they've been gathering," she said.
However, the foreign minister would not detail what information Australia would hand over to the once-pariah state, but it would be whatever was of interest to the Rouhani administration in their "common purpose" of defeating IS.
"Then that's an appropriate exchange," Ms Bishop said.
Despite success on tactical matters, the minister failed in immigration talks with Iran refusing to accept its asylum seekers deported forcibly on the grounds it violates human rights.
But she has managed to win agreement for their voluntary return, and the two countries have agreed to keep diplomatic lines open on immigration co-operation.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has warned he will not fold on denying asylum seeker boat arrivals settlement.
The government has been specific about plans not to allow asylum seekers who came by boat to settle in Australia and would return people to their country of origin where possible, he said.
