WANA (Sep 16) – Sweden on Wednesday expelled an employee of Iran’s embassy in Stockholm and summoned Iran’s ambassador to the Swedish Foreign Ministry, citing allegations of what it described as hostile activity by Tehran.

 

Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer accused Iran of engaging in what he called “hostile behavior” and alleged that Tehran had targeted Jewish and Israeli interests in Sweden. He did not provide evidence for the allegations in his remarks.

 

The move came as Sweden reiterated its support for Israel. Swedish authorities did not, in their announcement, address Israel’s military actions against Iran or allegations concerning activities by various groups aimed at damaging Iran’s reputation.

 

Strömmer said Sweden considered the alleged activities a threat to Jewish and Israeli interests in the country. Sweden has previously expelled Iranian diplomats on several occasions over the past two decades. In 2008, the country expelled an Iranian diplomat on allegations of espionage.