Sweden expels Iranian embassy official over activity incompatible with Vienna Convention

SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 16:27Sweden's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it had summoned Iran's ambassador and asked an official at the Iranian Embassy in Stockholm to leave the country, citing activity incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.The ministry did not specify the nature of the activity in its statement.The Vienna Convention defines the rules ​and privileges of diplomatic missions.Iran reportedly recruited Swedish minors for attacks on Israeli, Jewish targetsThe official's expulsion follows a CNN report in April that Iran allegedly used criminal gangs in Sweden to target Israeli and Jewish interests.The report cited Sweden's Security Service (SÄPO), which said at least four known attacks or attempted attacks were directed at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm in 2023 and 2024.The flag of Iran is seen overlayed atop a map of Sweden (illustrative) (credit: CANVA/ronniechua, Tuangtong via Getty Images)The attacks in question involved shootings and an attempted bombing, with several suspects under the age of 18.Swedish police and prosecutors say these youth are being manipulated by criminal gangs acting on behalf of Iranian intelligence units.Follow us on Google