Sweden expels Iranian diplomat to protect citizens and interests

The Swedish Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of an unnamed Iranian diplomat “in connection with activities incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.” The name and position of the expelled official are not disclosed. The expulsion was announced by the Iranian ambassador summoned to the Foreign Ministry.

Swedish media, in particular Svenska Dagbladet, cite a comment on this issue by the Minister of justice of the country Gunnar Strömmer, who clarified the reasons for the expulsion of the diplomat. According to the minister, Iran has long engaged in activities that undermine the security of the country. It targeted Iranian opposition figures living in the country, Jewish communities in Sweden and representative offices of Israeli institutions and organizations. “This was done, among other things, using organized criminal groups,” the minister said.

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergaard said the diplomat had been expelled to "protect our citizens and other interests" of the country.

Relations between Sweden and Iran, which have never been warm, escalated sharply after Iran executed a man with dual Iranian and Swedish citizenship in March.

Andrei Kelekeev