US, Australia Shut Diplomatic Missions in Brazil Ahead of Election

The United States has suspended consular services in Brazil, prompting Australia to temporarily close its embassy in the capital, Brasília, just two days before Brazil’s presidential election.

The US Embassy said consular services were suspended from Friday due to security concerns and advised American citizens seeking assistance not to visit US diplomatic facilities. The embassy did not provide details about the nature of the threat or indicate whether it was directly connected to the election.

The US State Department said it was working with Brazilian authorities to address the security concerns.

Australia’s ambassador to Brazil, Sophie Davies, also announced that the Australian embassy would close on Friday, citing the US security alert. She advised Australian citizens to avoid US diplomatic facilities.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s federal police conducted preventive search-and-seizure operations in São Paulo and the Federal District as part of an investigation into suspected plans targeting US diplomatic facilities.

Police said the operation followed cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies but added that investigators had found no evidence confirming the reported threat and had not identified any suspects linked to criminal organisations. Communications equipment was seized, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The diplomatic closures come as Brazil prepares for Sunday’s presidential election, which pits incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

If neither candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election is scheduled for October 25.

Lula’s Workers’ Party president, Edinho Silva, described the US decision as unprecedented and accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to influence Brazilian public opinion.

Lula’s allies have also accused Washington of interfering in Brazil’s election, citing US tariffs and efforts by American officials to discuss electoral integrity with Brazilian authorities.

Trump has publicly praised Flávio Bolsonaro, although he has not formally endorsed him, saying he is closely following the Brazilian election.