The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the summoning of an Iranian diplomat to Stockholm. The move comes in response to the ongoing legal disputes between the two nations, particularly regarding the arbitrary detention of Swedish citizens in Iran and the recent missile strike on Erbil, Iraq.

Sweden reiterated its demands for the immediate release of its citizens detained in Iran without any apparent reason, stressing the importance of consular access and adherence to international commitments on consular matters. The ministry also protested against Iran’s missile strike on Erbil, which occurred on January 15.

The Swedish government has been gravely concerned about the situation, with reports of additional arrests of Swedish citizens surfacing recently. In late 2023, a Swedish-Iranian dual citizen was detained without any discernible justification. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is actively engaged in communication with the detainee’s relatives, seeking resolution and justice.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized Sweden’s unwavering dedication to securing the prompt release of its citizens detained in Iran under questionable circumstances. The government also stated that it views this situation with utmost seriousness and reminded its citizens of the existing travel advisory against visiting Iran.

In response to the escalating tensions and detentions, Sweden recently adopted a comprehensive national strategy against violent extremism and terrorism. The strategy aims to combat the evolving threat scenario and safeguard the safety and security of its citizens. It emphasizes the integration of preventive measures against extremism and terrorism into broader local crime prevention efforts.

In a parallel development, tension between the two nations has been building over the past month. On December 21, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the charge d’affaires of Sweden’s Embassy in Tehran to strongly protest against a verdict issued by a Swedish court regarding former Iranian judiciary official Hamid Nouri. The Iranian diplomat denounced the court’s decision, stating that it was based on false claims and invoked by individuals associated with abhorrent terrorist acts against Iran, Iraq and Europe. The Swedish court’s ruling against Hamid Nouri, which Iran considers fundamentally unacceptable, has further strained bilateral relations. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nasser Kanaani criticized the Swedish judicial system for aligning with terrorist groups and jeopardizing the historical relations between the two countries. He emphasized Iran’s determination to protect the rights of its citizens and take appropriate measures to secure their release.

As of now, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has not issued a response to the statement issued by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden.