TEHRAN, 19 September, 2026 (Ghufran): Iran has ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave the country within 48 hours in a reciprocal move after Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy official. Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned Sweden’s ambassador and lodged a formal protest over Stockholm’s decision, describing Sweden’s policy toward Iran as “destructive.” The ministry rejected Swedish allegations of Iranian interference in security-related matters, calling the accusations unfounded, and criticized Sweden for allowing what Tehran described as anti-Iran elements to operate within the country. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Sweden’s decision to expel the Iranian official was made under pressure from the Israeli government. Tehran condemned the move and announced the reciprocal expulsion of a Swedish diplomat, giving the official 48 hours to leave Iranian territory. The latest diplomatic dispute has further strained relations between Tehran and Stockholm.