Iran: Iran has rejected Sweden's allegations against the Islamic Republic and ordered a Swedish diplomat in Tehran to leave the country within 48 hours in response to Stockholm's decision to prevent an Iranian diplomat from continuing his duties in Sweden.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning Sweden's decision to expel an employee of Iran's embassy in Stockholm over alleged security concerns. The ministry described the move as unjustified and contrary to international law, asserting that Sweden required the Iranian diplomat to leave the country 'without any justified reason' while simultaneously making baseless allegations about Iran's involvement in Sweden's security affairs.

The statement further accused the Swedish government of being influenced by the Zionist regime, suggesting that the expulsion was an effort to disrupt the normal activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Embassy in Stockholm. It emphasized Sweden's obligations under international law, referencing the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and warned that any disruption of the Iranian embassy's duties would entail Sweden's international responsibility.

Iran's Foreign Ministry also indicated that it would take necessary measures to safeguard its national rights and interests, including reciprocal actions. On Thursday morning, the Swedish ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry by Alireza Yousefi, director general of the ministry's Western Europe Department. During the meeting, Iran conveyed its strong protest over what it described as Sweden's destructive policies toward Iran and informed the ambassador of its objection to Sweden's decision concerning the Iranian diplomat and other issues, including Sweden's 'hosting of anti-Iranian terrorist elements and groups.'

The Swedish diplomat in Tehran has been given 48 hours to leave Iran, with the reasons for this decision explained to the Swedish ambassador.