Iran Expels Swedish Diplomat in Retaliation Over Stockholm's Decision

Iran has ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave the country just one day after Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy official in Stockholm. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Sweden's initial action as "unjustified" in a statement released on Thursday.

According to Iran's IRNA news agency, the Foreign Ministry stated that the move by the Swedish government stemmed from the influence of the Zionist regime and aimed to disrupt the normal operations of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Embassy in Stockholm.

In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Swedish ambassador in Tehran on Thursday. Alireza Yousefi, the director general for Western Europe, formally protested Sweden's policies, specifically citing its hosting of anti-Iranian terrorist elements and groups. The ministry emphasized that Iran would protect its national rights and interests through reciprocal measures, informing the ambassador that a Swedish diplomat in Tehran had been given 48 hours to leave the country.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday that the Iranian official was asked to depart due to activities incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which outlines the rules governing diplomatic missions.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated that the expulsion was necessary to protect Swedish citizens and interests. Additionally, Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer informed state television that the decision was tied to Iran's alleged activities targeting Jewish and Israeli interests. Strommer noted that Iran has long conducted security-threatening activities within Sweden by utilizing criminal networks.