Sweden announced on Wednesday that it has expelled an Iranian embassy employee due to threats against Jewish and Israeli interests in the country. Additionally, the Iranian ambassador to Sweden was summoned to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gunnar Strömmer, Sweden's Minister of Justice, stated in a statement that Iran has long engaged in actions that threaten Sweden's security.
Iran's Security Threats in Sweden
Strömmer added: "We know that Iran has engaged in actions over time that threaten security in Sweden, particularly targeting individuals who oppose the Iranian regime as well as Jewish and Israeli interests." He also referred to Iran's use of criminal networks to carry out these threats.
The Swedish Security Service (SAPO) had previously accused Iran of hiring members of criminal gangs to carry out "violent actions" against Israeli interests and other interests in Sweden. These allegations have been denied by Iran.
Reactions to the Expulsion of the Embassy Employee
SAPO spokesperson Jonathan Swensson stated: "We can confirm that Iran continues activities that pose security threats in Sweden. This includes efforts to use intermediaries, including criminal networks, to carry out attacks or violent actions."
In recent years, several incidents against Israeli interests have occurred in Sweden. For example, in June 2024, two insulated flasks filled with explosives were found outside the offices of Israeli military technology company Elbit Systems in Gothenburg. In October of the same year, a 13-year-old boy shot at the entrance of the Elbit Systems office, and four teenagers were sentenced to prison in April 2025 for hiring this boy to carry out the shooting.
In May 2025, a shooting occurred outside the Israeli embassy, leading to increased security measures around Israeli interests and Jewish community institutions in Sweden.
Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden's Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced on Wednesday that the Iranian embassy employee was expelled due to "activities inconsistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations." She did not provide details about these activities but emphasized that the decision was made to "protect citizens and other interests of Sweden."
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