Iran has ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave within 48 hours after Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy official in Stockholm. Tehran called Sweden's move "unjustified," accused Stockholm of acting under the influence of the "Zionist regime," and warned of reciprocal measures. Sweden said the expulsion followed alleged activities incompatible with the 1961 Vienna Convention and was intended to protect citizens and national interests.
Iran Expels Swedish Diplomat After Stockholm Declares Iranian Envoy Persona Non Grata
A general view of the Iranian Embassy in London [Dan Kitwood/Getty Images]
Iran has ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave Tehran within 48 hours, a reciprocal move that follows Sweden's decision to expel an Iranian embassy official in Stockholm.
At a meeting on Thursday, Alireza Yousefi, Iran's director general for Western Europe, summoned the Swedish ambassador to protest Sweden's action. According to Iran's state news agency IRNA, the Foreign Ministry described Sweden's decision as "unjustified" and accused Stockholm of acting under the influence of the "Zionist regime" and of hosting anti‑Iranian groups.
Reciprocal Diplomatic Measures
IRNA reported that the Swedish ambassador was told a Swedish diplomat in Tehran had been given 48 hours to leave Iran in response to Sweden's expulsion of an Iranian embassy official. Iran's Foreign Ministry said it would take necessary steps to protect its national rights and interests, including reciprocal measures.
Sweden's Position
Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs said the Iranian official was declared persona non grata and asked to depart because their activities were incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the decision aimed to protect Swedish citizens and national interests.
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer told state television that the action related to alleged Iranian activities targeting "Jewish and Israeli interests," and said Swedish authorities believe Iran has long carried out activities that threaten Swedish security and may use criminal networks to pursue its objectives.
Legal Context
The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations governs diplomatic immunity and the rules for declaring diplomats persona non grata. Both Tehran and Stockholm referenced those international obligations: Sweden invoked the convention to justify the expulsion, while Iran warned that interference with its embassy's work could create international responsibility for Sweden.
The exchange marks a clear escalation in bilateral tensions and underscores how allegations of covert activities, security concerns, and diplomatic reprisals can rapidly heighten disputes between states.
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