Tehran, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Iran has ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave the country within 48 hours in a reciprocal move after Sweden expelled an official from the Iranian embassy in Stockholm, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Alireza Yousefi, director general for Western Europe at the ministry, summoned the Swedish ambassador in Tehran and lodged a strong protest over what it described as Stockholm’s “destructive” policies towards Iran.
The ministry said the Swedish ambassador was informed that one Swedish diplomat had been ordered to leave Iran within 48 hours. The decision was presented as a reciprocal response to Sweden’s action against an Iranian embassy official in Stockholm.
Sweden had on Wednesday summoned Iran’s ambassador and ordered an official at the Iranian embassy to leave the country, citing activities that it said were “not compatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer later told state broadcaster SVT that the decision was linked to alleged Iranian activities targeting “Jewish and Israeli interests” in Sweden. Swedish authorities have also accused Iran of activities they say pose security threats in the country.
Iran rejected the allegations as “baseless” and described Sweden’s expulsion of the Iranian diplomat as unjustified and contrary to international law.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry further alleged that Sweden’s action was influenced by Israel and was aimed at disrupting the normal functioning of Iran’s embassy in Stockholm.
Tehran said it would take necessary measures to safeguard its national rights and interests, including reciprocal steps in response to Sweden’s actions.
The latest dispute adds to longstanding tensions in relations between Iran and Sweden, with both sides accusing the other of actions affecting diplomatic and security interests.
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