Norwegian authorities have apprehended three brothers of Iraqi descent in connection with a suspected terrorist bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo. The explosion, which occurred at the consular section entrance during early Sunday hours, resulted in minor structural damage but no casualties.
Christian Hatlo, the police prosecutor leading the investigation, confirmed the arrests during a Wednesday press briefing. The suspects, all Norwegian citizens in their twenties, are believed to have played distinct roles in the incident. According to Hatlo, evidence suggests one brother physically placed the explosive device while the others provided operational support.
The investigation is exploring multiple hypotheses, including potential state-sponsored involvement. “Given the target—the U.S. embassy—and the current global security climate, examining whether this was orchestrated by a government entity is a natural line of inquiry,” Hatlo stated.
Notably, one suspect’s defense attorney, Oystein Storrvik, publicly acknowledged his client’s admission of involvement in placing the explosive device. Despite this confession, the full motivation behind the attack remains unclear.
The case has drawn international attention due to Norway’s security service (PST) recently identifying Iran as a primary national threat. The PST’s annual assessment highlighted Iran’s potential use of “proxy actors” and “criminal networks” for operations—a concern amplified by recent U.S.-Iran tensions. Iranian Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri has vehemently denied any involvement, calling the allegations “unacceptable.
Investigators are also examining digital evidence, including a since-removed Google Maps video featuring Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accompanied by Persian text proclaiming “God is great. We are victorious.” The timing of this upload coincides with the explosion, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.