Iran has officially protested against comments made by Swedish Minister Johan Pehrson calling Iran a ‘rogue state’ and ‘sponsor of terrorism.’ Diplomat Mattias Otterstedt was summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, where Shahram Qazizadeh criticized Sweden’s accusations and warned of deteriorating diplomatic relations. Qazizadeh also condemned Sweden’s request for the release of an Iranian-held dual national convicted of espionage.
TEHRAN – In response to what it termed as “provocative and baseless” comments by Sweden’s Minister of Education, Johan Pehrson, Iran has summoned the Swedish ambassador to Tehran. On Monday, diplomat Mattias Otterstedt was called to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, where Shahram Qazizadeh, the head of the Third Department for Western Europe, lodged a formal protest against the minister’s assertions regarding the Islamic Republic.
Minister Pehrson characterized Iran as a “rogue state” and a “sponsor of terrorism” during an interview with the Swedish daily, Expressen. Qazizadeh dismissed these statements as “unfounded, interventionist, and a violation of international norms,” criticizing the Swedish government for its ongoing trend of making baseless allegations and hostile statements regarding Iran, indicating that such rhetoric could exacerbate tensions in diplomatic relations.
Pehrson’s remarks were reportedly in reaction to claims made by Expressen, which suggested that an Iranian student at Lund University in Sweden had previously been affiliated with Iran’s intelligence services. Iran has categorically denied these allegations, asserting they form part of a broader Western campaign to damage its international reputation and obstruct academic collaboration.
Additionally, Qazizadeh condemned Sweden’s recent action of summoning Iran’s ambassador to Stockholm, following Sweden’s demand for the immediate release of Ahmadreza Jalali. Jalali, an Iranian-born Swedish resident, was convicted in Iran for espionage for Israel’s Mossad, which involved the assassination of two Iranian nuclear scientists.
He stressed that Sweden should not interfere in Iran’s legal matters or challenge its judicial decisions. Qazizadeh stated, “The Swedish government is in no position to challenge the legal decisions of another country or advocate for individuals whose crimes have been established through due process.”
The diplomatic clash between Iran and Sweden centers on derogatory comments made by Sweden’s Minister of Education, Johan Pehrson. Iran’s summoning of the Swedish ambassador highlights its strong objections to perceived interference in its internal affairs and judicial processes. The ongoing tensions underscore the delicate nature of international relations and underscore the need for careful diplomatic dialogue to avoid further escalation.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
