Sweden expels Iranian embassy official over security concerns

Sweden has ordered an Iranian embassy official to leave the country, citing activities that Stockholm says are incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry said the official, based at Iran’s embassy in Stockholm, had been ordered to leave. Iran’s ambassador was also summoned and informed of the decision.

The ministry did not disclose details of the specific activities that led to the expulsion.

Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said Iran had engaged in activities in Sweden and against Sweden that posed a threat to national security.

He alleged that the activities targeted opponents of the Iranian government, as well as individuals and organisations linked to Israeli and Jewish interests in Sweden. Criminal network members were also allegedly used in some of the operations, he said.

Sweden’s security service, Säpo, had previously accused Iran of recruiting members of criminal networks to carry out violent activities against Israeli and other targets in the country.

Iran has denied the allegations.