The Swedish government has accused the Imam Ali Islamic Centre in Stockholm of being a base for Iranian intelligence operations targeting Sweden and the Iranian diaspora, Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed announced on February 3, according to Swedish media.

Sweden’s Security Service concluded that Iran used the Shi’ite Muslim centre for espionage and security threats, prompting authorities to cut all state funding to the institution. Forssmed stated that further actions were being considered but did not elaborate.

“This is extremely serious,” Forssmed told Expressen, confirming that Sweden had ceased financial support to the centre and that another process was underway.

The mosque denies any political affiliations, claiming on its website that it does not receive foreign funding and maintains strict oversight to prevent criminal activity.

Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran summoned Sweden's ambassador on February 1 to protest the detention of the centre’s leader in Stockholm. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei suggested that external influences were affecting Sweden’s decisions, harming bilateral relations.

Mohsen Hakimollahi, a 63-year-old Iranian cleric and senior Friday prayer leader, was arrested by Swedish authorities amid rising tensions. Reports indicate he was detained at his home by plainclothes officers about two weeks ago and has since been held at a Swedish immigration facility.

Swedish immigration documents confirm that a deportation order for Hakimollahi, linked to the Iranian regime, was issued on January 30.

Founded in 1997 by Shi’ite Iranian Muslim immigrants, the Imam Ali Islamic Centre describes itself as an independent religious organization aimed at fostering integration and cooperation with Swedish institutions.

Hakimollahi was appointed by Tehran to lead the centre in 2011 and received Swedish permanent residency in December 2017. However, Swedish authorities have now revoked his permit, paving the way for his deportation.

This case follows similar actions in Europe, such as Germany’s closure of the Hamburg Islamic Centre in August 2024 over alleged extremist ties. No official decision has been announced regarding the Stockholm centre’s operational status after its leader’s detention.