Russia, China and Iran Are Main Threats to Sweden, Security Service Says

Iran war increases threat to Sweden, security service says

Sweden's Security Service Warns of Rising Threats Amid Iran Conflict

STOCKHOLM, March 18 (Reuters) - Sweden's Security Service (SAPO) warned on Wednesday of increased threats to the Nordic nation from the war in Iran, including risks to Jewish targets, as it released its annual national security assessment.

Security Service Statements on Iran

"History has shown that a desperate and pressured regime can be a dangerous regime," SAPO operative chief Fredrik Hallstrom told a press conference, referring to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Exploitation of Criminal Networks

Iran has long been considered a serious threat, and Swedish authorities have noted how criminal networks - already at the centre of a decade-long surge in gang-related violence - have been exploited by state actors to carry out attacks.

Increased Threats to Jewish and Western Targets

"The U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, and the countermeasures carried out by Iran, have increased the threat against American, Israeli and Jewish targets in Sweden," Security Service Chief Charlotte von Essen said in the report.

Other Foreign Threats to Sweden

China and Russia's Activities

In recent years, the agency has also highlighted threats from China and, above all, Russia, which it describes as increasingly willing to take risks in support of its war in Ukraine — including through hybrid operations across Europe.

Russia as a Primary Driver

"Overall we expect that the threat levels against Sweden will continue to deteriorate in the coming years," von Essen said, adding that Russia was regarded as a primary driver.

Sabotage Incidents Linked to Russia

While it is difficult to determine what can be linked to a particular actor, Sweden assesses that Russia is behind several sabotage incidents in Europe targeting critical infrastructure, the security service said. Moscow has denied any involvement.

Review of Sabotage Cases

The agency said it has reviewed hundreds of cases of suspected sabotage in Sweden, including of underwater cables, electricity substations and water-treatment facilities.

"It has so far not been possible to link any physical sabotage to a foreign power," it said.

(Reporting by Niklas Pollard and Johan Ahlander, editing by Terje Solsvik and Ros Russell)