Sweden declares Iranian embassy staff member persona non grata over alleged anti‑Jewish threats

Sweden said Wednesday it expelled an Iranian embassy employee and summoned the country’s ambassador, accusing Tehran of making threats against Jewish and Israeli interests in Sweden.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said in a statement that Iran has long carried out activities that threaten security in Sweden, targeting opponents of the Iranian regime as well as Jewish and Israeli interests, often through criminal networks.

The Iranian embassy did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

The Swedish Security Service (Sapo) has previously accused Iran of recruiting criminal gangs to commit acts of violence against Israeli and other interests in Sweden—claims Iran denies.

When asked about the specifics, Sapo spokesman Jonathan Svensson said he could not disclose intelligence details, but confirmed that Iran continues to engage in activities posing security threats to Sweden, including attempts to use proxies such as criminal networks to carry out attacks.

There have been several incidents targeting Israeli interests in Sweden in recent years.

In June 2024, two improvised explosive devices were discovered outside the offices of Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems in Gothenburg.

In October 2024, a 13‑year‑old boy opened fire at an Elbit Systems office entrance.

Four teenagers were sentenced in April 2025 for recruiting the boy to carry out the shooting.

In May 2024, shots were fired outside the Israeli embassy, prompting Sweden to increase security around Israeli interests and Jewish community institutions.

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the embassy employee was asked to leave because his activities were incompatible with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. She gave no further details, but said the decision was taken to protect Swedish citizens and Swedish interests.

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