Sweden and Iran Expel Diplomats in Reciprocal Dispute

Sweden and Iran have engaged in a series of diplomatic expulsions, with each country removing the other's embassy staff in a dispute centered on security threats and alleged violations of international diplomatic law. Sweden initiated the action on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by expelling an employee from the Iranian embassy in Stockholm. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated that the employee was asked to leave due to "activities that are not compatible with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations," adding that the decision was made "to protect our citizens and other Swedish interests." Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer further accused Iran of conducting long-term activities threatening security in Sweden, targeting individuals opposing the Iranian regime as well as Jewish and Israeli interests. He alleged that Iran used criminal networks to carry out these threats. The Swedish Security Service, known as Sapo, confirmed that Iran continues to pose security threats, including attempts to use proxies for attacks or acts of violence. However, officials did not provide specific details on the activities, citing intelligence work.