Iran summoned the Swedish ambassador in response to derogatory remarks by Minister Johan Pehrson, who called Iran a “rogue state” and a “sponsor of terrorism.” Iran rejected these statements as unfounded and warned about the potential impact on diplomatic relations. This incident follows allegations linking an Iranian student in Sweden to intelligence services and a separate case involving an imprisoned dual national.

Iran has officially summoned the Swedish ambassador to Tehran, Mattias Otterstedt, in reaction to remarks made by Sweden’s Minister of Education, Johan Pehrson. These comments labeled Iran as a “rogue state” and a “sponsor of terrorism,” which Iran regards as “provocative and baseless.” Shahram Qazizadeh from Iran’s Foreign Ministry underscored the diplomatic protest against such statements.

Qazizadeh criticized Pehrson’s assertions as “unfounded, interventionist, and a violation of international norms.” He also reproached the Swedish government for continuously making unfounded allegations against Iran, warning that these could escalate tensions in diplomatic relations.

Pehrson’s comments were a reaction to a report by the Swedish newspaper Expressen, hinting at connections between an Iranian student at Lund University and Iran’s intelligence. Iran has strongly refuted these assertions, deeming them part of a wider Western initiative to damage its reputation and obstruct academic collaboration.

Additionally, Qazizadeh condemned Sweden’s decision to summon Iran’s ambassador, which was in connection with the case of Ahmadreza Jalali, an Iranian-born Swedish citizen imprisoned in Iran for espionage linked to Israel’s Mossad. He stressed that Sweden lacks the authority to meddle in Iran’s judicial matters or contest legal rulings made by its courts.

The diplomatic exchange reflects heightened tensions between Iran and Sweden, particularly concerning allegations of terrorism and interference in judiciary matters. Iran’s protest underscores its stance against what it perceives as unmerited accusations and a violation of its sovereignty. With Pehrson’s statements and the case involving Jalali acting as flashpoints, the relationship between the two nations may see further deterioration if hostilities continue.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com