Concerns have been raised about the scope of Australia's unprecedented intelligence-sharing deal with Iran, with critics warning spy agencies will be fed "crap" by an untrustworthy regime.
But experts believe it would be foolish for Australia to assume all intelligence from Iran was worthless, even if it came with an agenda.
Under the informal arrangement, Iran will share information about Australian foreign fighters who have joined Islamic State terrorists in Iraq.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who brokered the deal following an historic visit to Tehran at the weekend, says co-operation will be highly beneficial in the fight against terrorism.
Iran, as well controlling Shi'ite militia fighting with Iraqi soldiers, had a sophisticated spy network and operatives in places where Australia didn't.
"There is a lot of information they've been gathering," Ms Bishop said.
However, the foreign minister would not detail what information Australia would hand over to the once-pariah state.
It would be whatever was of interest to the Rouhani administration in their "common purpose" of defeating IS.
The extraordinary deal has been met with suspicion by those concerned the government could be fooled by a tactical Iran.
Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie says Iran will dispense "bucketloads of crap" because of its track record disseminating disinformation to further its own agenda.
"Australia is flirting with evil," the former intelligence analyst said, urging the federal opposition to "grow a back bone" and oppose the arrangement.
Labor has yet to be briefed about the extent of the deal, but has also warned the government not to lower its guard just because of a common goal in defeating IS.
"We need to not be naive when we deal with Iran," Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said.
Colin Rubenstein, from the Australia-Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, says it's a problematic arrangement that will surprise other intelligence-cooperating western allies.
Iran remained an unreformed, highly-aggressive regime and Israel and other Sunni Arab nations were apprehensive about its regional expansion, he said.
However, terrorism expert Greg Barton says while Australia should proceed with caution, spy agencies can verify whatever information they get - as they undoubtedly do with other countries.
"But to reject everything we get from Iran as worthless, that would be foolish," he told AAP.
"It would be naive to think everything our partners tell us isn't painted with their own interests."
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