1 week ago
Sweden Expels Iranian Embassy Official Over Security Threats
Sweden told an employee at Iran’s embassy to leave the country.
Sweden said the employee’s activities did not follow international diplomatic rules.
Swedish officials said Iran had threatened Jewish and Israeli interests in Sweden.
They also said people who oppose Iran may have been targeted.
Sweden’s security service said Iran tried to use criminal gangs to carry out violence.
Iran has rejected that accusation.
Officials did not explain exactly what event led to the expulsion.
The decision came after several attacks or alleged plots involving Israeli interests in Sweden.
Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy employee and summoned Iran’s ambassador over alleged activities deemed incompatible with the Vienna Convention.
Swedish officials said Iran had targeted Jewish and Israeli interests, as well as people opposing Tehran, using criminal networks.
Sweden’s security service accused Iran of trying to recruit gang members for violence, allegations Tehran has denied.
Officials did not disclose the specific incident that triggered the expulsion, citing diplomatic and intelligence concerns.
Recent incidents involving Elbit Systems in Sweden included explosives found in 2024 and a shooting outside its office in October; four teenagers were later imprisoned over the shooting.
- Who
- Sweden’s government expelled an Iranian embassy employee and summoned Iran’s ambassador; Swedish officials attributed security threats to Iran.
- What
- Sweden expelled the official over activities it said were incompatible with the Vienna Convention and linked the decision to alleged threats against Jewish and Israeli interests.
- Where
- Sweden, including incidents in Gothenburg involving Elbit Systems.
- When
- The decision was announced on Wednesday, September 16; the article does not specify the year.
- Why
- Sweden said the action was necessary to protect its citizens and interests from alleged Iranian security activities and proxy violence.
Swedish authorities’ allegations
Iran’s denial
Security activity
Swedish authorities’ allegations
Swedish ministers and the Swedish Security Service said Iran has conducted activities threatening security in and against Sweden, including attempts to use criminal networks as proxies for violence.
Iran’s denial
Iran rejected the accusation that it recruited criminal-gang members to carry out acts of violence against Israeli and others in Sweden.
Reason for expulsion
Swedish authorities’ allegations
Sweden said the embassy employee’s activities violated diplomatic standards and that expulsion was needed to protect Swedish citizens and interests.
Iran’s denial
The article does not provide Iran’s specific response to the expulsion or its interpretation of the Vienna Convention issue.
Threats to Israeli interests
Swedish authorities’ allegations
Swedish officials cited incidents involving Israeli interests, including the Elbit Systems office incidents, as part of the broader security concerns.
Iran’s denial
Iran’s denial, as reported, relates to the alleged recruitment and violence claims; the article does not state a separate Iranian position on the Elbit incidents.
Key facts
- Expelled official
- An employee of Iran’s embassy in Sweden
- Diplomatic action
- Sweden summoned Iran’s ambassador
- Stated legal basis
- Activities deemed incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
- Alleged targets
- Jewish and Israeli interests and people opposing the Iranian regime
- Alleged method
- Use of criminal networks or other proxies to carry out attacks or violence
- Iran’s position
- Iran has denied the accusations concerning recruitment for violence
- Elbit Systems incidents
- Explosives were found outside its Gothenburg office in June 2024; a shooting occurred at the same firm’s office in October
- Legal outcome
- Four teenagers were sentenced to prison in April 2025 for recruiting a 13-year-old boy for the shooting
Quotes
Jonathan Svensson
Spokesman for Sweden’s Security Service, Sapo
“We know that Iran, over a long period of time, has conducted activities that threaten security in and against Sweden, targeting both individuals who oppose the Iranian regime and various Jewish and Israeli interests in our country. This has, among other things, been done by making use of criminal networks.”
wionews.com
“We can confirm that Iran continues to engage in activities that pose security threats in and against Sweden. This includes, among other things, attempts to use proxies, such as criminal networks, to carry out attacks or acts of violence.”
wionews.com
Sources
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