Iran rejects Sweden’s allegations, orders Swedish diplomat to leave within 48 hours

Iran has rejected allegations made by Sweden against the Islamic Republic and given a Swedish diplomat in Tehran 48 hours to leave the country in a reciprocal move following Stockholm’s decision to prevent an Iranian diplomat from continuing his duties in Sweden. 

In a statement issued Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned Sweden’s decision to bar an Iranian diplomat serving at the Islamic Republic’s embassy in Stockholm from continuing his activities, describing the allegations against Iran as baseless.

“The Swedish government, in an unjustified action contrary to international law, forced one of the diplomats serving at the Islamic Republic of Iran’s embassy in Stockholm to leave Swedish territory without any valid reason. At the same time, the Swedish government has made baseless allegations regarding Iran’s involvement in security-related matters in the country,” the statement said. 

The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations and described Sweden’s action against the Iranian diplomat as completely unjustified. 

“The Swedish government’s action is undoubtedly the result of influence by the Zionist regime and an attempt to disrupt the normal activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s embassy in Stockholm,” it said. 

The ministry also referred to Sweden’s obligations under international law, including the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, warning that interference with the embassy’s duties could entail international responsibility for Sweden. 

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will naturally take the necessary measures to safeguard its national rights and interests, including through reciprocal action,” the statement said.

Sweden's Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday that it had summoned Iran's ambassador and asked an official at the Iranian embassy to leave the country over activities "not compatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations".

Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer later told state broadcaster SVT that the decision was made over Iran's alleged activities against "Jewish and Israeli interests" in Sweden. 

Iran blasts ‘unacceptable interference’ of two French diplomats

Baghaei says the activities of two French diplomats in Iran constituted “unacceptable interference” in the country’s internal affairs.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Sweden’s ambassador was summoned to Iran’s Foreign Ministry by Alireza Yousefi, director general for Western Europe at the ministry. 

During the meeting, Iran conveyed its strong protest over Sweden’s destructive policies toward Iran, including its “offensive rhetoric” against the Islamic Republic and Stockholm’s hosting of anti-Iranian elements and terrorist organizations.  

Iran also rejected Sweden’s allegations, including Stockholm’s decision to prevent an Iranian diplomat serving at the Iranian embassy in Sweden from continuing his duties.

The Swedish ambassador was informed that one of Sweden’s diplomats in Tehran, for reasons described to the ambassador, must leave Iran within 48 hours, according to the Foreign Ministry statement.

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