Iran has ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave the country within 48 hours, escalating a diplomatic dispute between Tehran and Stockholm.
The decision came on September 17, 2026, one day after Sweden expelled an official working at Iran’s embassy in Stockholm. Iran described Sweden’s decision as unjustified and responded by taking a reciprocal diplomatic measure.
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Sweden’s ambassador in Tehran was summoned and formally informed that one Swedish diplomat would have to leave Iranian territory within 48 hours. Tehran said the move was taken in response to Sweden’s expulsion of an Iranian embassy official.
Why Did Sweden Expel the Iranian Official?
Sweden said the Iranian embassy official had been involved in activities that were not compatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Swedish officials also linked the decision to what they described as security-related activities connected to Iran. Sweden has previously accused Iran of using criminal networks to target people and interests in Sweden, allegations that Tehran has rejected.
Swedish authorities did not publicly provide full details about the specific activities that led to the expulsion.
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said Iran had, according to Stockholm, been involved in activities that threatened security in and against Sweden. Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the action was taken to protect Swedish citizens and Swedish interests.
Iran Rejects Sweden’s Allegations
Iran strongly rejected Sweden’s accusations and described them as baseless.
Tehran said Sweden’s decision was unjustified and contrary to international law. Iran also criticised what it described as hostile Swedish policies toward Tehran and accused Stockholm of allowing anti-Iranian groups and individuals to operate in the country.
Iran said it was responding according to the principle of reciprocity, meaning that Tehran would take a corresponding diplomatic action after Sweden expelled an Iranian diplomat.
Diplomatic Relations Already Under Pressure
The latest dispute is part of a broader period of tension between Iran and Sweden.
Relations between the two countries have been affected by disputes involving security allegations, Iranian-Swedish citizens and diplomatic cases.
In June 2024, Sweden and Iran were involved in a prisoner exchange that resulted in the release of Swedish citizens Johan Floderus and Saeed Azizi. In exchange, Sweden released Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian prison official who had been convicted in Sweden.
The two countries have also disagreed over allegations involving Iranian activities in Sweden. Tehran has repeatedly rejected accusations that it has directed attacks or other security operations inside Sweden.
What Does the 48-Hour Order Mean?
Ordering a diplomat to leave a country is a serious diplomatic measure, although it does not automatically mean that diplomatic relations have been completely severed.
The latest move sends a clear message that relations between Tehran and Stockholm remain strained. Both countries have defended their actions as responses to what they consider unacceptable conduct by the other side.
For now, the dispute involves reciprocal expulsions rather than a complete diplomatic break.
What Happens Next?
The next steps will depend on how both governments respond after the Swedish diplomat leaves Iran.
If additional diplomatic measures are announced, relations could become more difficult. However, both countries still maintain diplomatic channels, and future negotiations could also be used to manage the dispute.
The latest development demonstrates how quickly diplomatic disagreements can escalate when governments accuse each other of security-related activities.
For Sweden, the focus remains on what it describes as protecting its citizens and national interests. Iran, meanwhile, has rejected Sweden’s accusations and says its response is based on diplomatic reciprocity and the protection of its national interests.
The situation remains closely watched as Tehran and Stockholm deal with the latest diplomatic confrontation.