Explosion Near US Embassy in Oslo: Investigation Underway

Oslo, Norway – An explosion occurred late Saturday night near the US embassy in Oslo, Norway. Norwegian authorities have arrested two individuals, described as Iraqi-origin Norwegian citizens, in connection with the incident. No injuries were reported, and damage to the embassy building was limited to the consular service entrance area.

Investigation and Potential Motives

Norwegian prosecutors are investigating the motives behind the explosion, considering multiple hypotheses, including a potential commission from a foreign government. “It is quite natural, given the target – the US embassy – and the security situation in the world today,” stated prosecutor Kristian Hatlo Oslo.

Authorities believe one of the suspects is the individual who placed the explosive device, with the other two acting as accomplices. Investigators are also exploring potential links to criminal networks.

Security Concerns and Iranian Involvement

Norway’s Security Service (PST) recently identified Iran as a significant threat to the country, suggesting Iran might utilize intermediaries, including criminal networks, to achieve its objectives. This assessment was included in PST’s annual threat assessment released last month.

The Iranian ambassador to Oslo has denied any involvement in the explosion.

Online Activity and Investigation

Around the time of the incident, a video featuring the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was uploaded to the US embassy’s page on Google Maps. The uploader, writing in Persian, posted the message “God is great. We are the victors.” Police have launched an investigation into this online activity.

Oslo Overview

Oslo is the capital and most populous city of Norway, functioning as both a county and a municipality. As of January 1, 2025, the municipality had a population of 724,290, with a larger urban population of 1,110,887 and a metropolitan area population of 1,588,457 Wikipedia.