Iran Expels Swedish Diplomat Following Reciprocal Action

Iran has ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave the country within 48 hours, following Sweden's expulsion of an Iranian embassy official in Stockholm. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Sweden's action as 'unjustified' and attributed it to external influences, specifically mentioning the 'Zionist regime' as a factor aimed at disrupting the activities of the Iranian Embassy in Stockholm. Alireza Yousefi, the director general for Western Europe at Iran's Foreign Ministry, summoned the Swedish ambassador in Tehran to express protest against Sweden's policies, which he claimed included hosting anti-Iranian groups. In response to Sweden's expulsion of the Iranian official, the Swedish diplomat was informed of the 48-hour deadline to leave Iran. Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that the Iranian official was expelled due to activities deemed incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The Iranian Foreign Ministry warned that any disruption to the embassy's duties could lead to Sweden's international responsibility. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard indicated that the expulsion was necessary to protect Swedish citizens and interests, while Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer cited concerns over Iran's alleged activities against Jewish and Israeli interests, claiming that Iran has engaged in actions threatening security in Sweden.