Swedish Prime Minister Accuses Iran of Using Gangs for Attacks in Sweden

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently accused Iran of using organized gangs to carry out violent attacks within Sweden, highlighting growing tensions between the two nations. Speaking at a conference in northern Sweden, Kristersson expressed grave concerns about the situation, stating, "Iran is using organized and violent criminal gangs to carry out serious attacks within Sweden." He added that while Sweden is not technically at war, "there is no peace either."

Kristersson’s remarks underline a broader fear of hybrid warfare, where countries use tactics such as cyber attacks, disinformation, and financial manipulation instead of traditional military engagements. He went on to explain that, "true peace requires freedom and the absence of serious conflicts between countries," yet Sweden, along with its neighbors, faces ongoing hybrid threats that include the risk of sabotage and the potential for larger conflicts.

Attacks Linked to Iran

The Swedish government has been closely monitoring a series of violent incidents believed to be linked to Iranian-backed groups. One notable case in October 2024 involved a 13-year-old boy arrested for firing shots at the offices of the Israeli tech firm Elbit Systems. Earlier that month, two Swedish teenagers were detained after allegedly detonating hand grenades outside Israel’s embassy in Copenhagen. The Swedish security service, Sapo, has suggested that Iran may be behind these incidents.

“These young Swedish teenagers attacking Israeli companies and embassies are part of an ongoing gang conflict we’ve had here in Sweden for a long time,” said Diamant Salihu, a crime journalist with Swedish public service television SVT. This insight reveals the deep-rooted gang issues within Sweden that have reportedly been exacerbated by foreign influence, particularly from Iran.

Preparing for Future Conflicts

In his speech, Kristersson stressed that Sweden must be prepared for the possibility of a broader conflict, despite the country not currently being at war. “We must be prepared for war,” he declared, suggesting that Sweden’s military and security services need to adapt to the evolving nature of international threats.