Sweden Expels Iranian Diplomat Over Crime Networks Targeting Israelis

Sweden announced the expulsion of an Iranian Embassy staffer in Stockholm and summoned the Iranian ambassador for questioning, citing intelligence indicating Tehran's involvement in threats against Israeli and Jewish interests within the country. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated the staffer was asked to leave due to "activities inconsistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," emphasizing the measure was to protect Swedish citizens and interests.

The expulsion follows accusations from Swedish law enforcement authorities regarding Iran's conduct on Swedish soil. Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer told AFP that Tehran has long engaged in activities threatening Swedish security, utilizing local crime networks to target Israeli interests and Iranian opposition figures. Jonathan Svensson, a spokesperson for the Swedish Security Service, confirmed that Iran continues to use proxies like criminal gangs for attacks and violent acts, though he declined to specify the exact intelligence operations leading to this expulsion.

This action by Sweden occurs amidst a series of serious security incidents targeting Israeli interests, escalating since October 2023. In May 2025, shots were fired outside the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, prompting increased security around Jewish community institutions. Earlier, in June 2024, explosives were discovered outside the offices of Israeli defense company Elbit Systems in Gothenburg. In October of the same year, a 13-year-old opened fire at the company's office entrance, and in April 2025, four teenagers were sentenced to prison for their recruitment for the shooting. The Iranian Embassy has not yet responded to the allegations.