Oslo, Norway – Three brothers have been arrested in connection with an explosion that occurred Sunday near the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norwegian authorities announced Wednesday. The incident, which caused minor damage to the embassy’s consular section but no injuries, is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism, though police are exploring multiple lines of inquiry, including possible involvement by a foreign state actor.
The three Norwegian citizens, all in their 20s, have Iraqi heritage, according to Christian Hatlo, the Norwegian police attorney leading the investigation. Authorities had previously released images of a suspect believed to be connected to the blast, and It’s thought one of the arrested brothers matches that description, broadcaster NRK reported. “They are suspected of a terror bombing,” Hatlo stated during a press conference. The brothers were not previously known to police, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Investigation Focuses on Potential Motives
Norwegian police are currently investigating several potential motives behind the explosion, including whether the incident was directed by or linked to a foreign state. The investigation is in its early stages, and authorities are urging caution against speculation. A video circulating online, reportedly published on Google Maps around the time of the incident, featured images of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former supreme leader, according to local media reports. This detail is being examined as part of the broader investigation, though its significance remains unclear.
The explosion occurred at approximately 02:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Sunday, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Photos shared on social media depicted shattered glass in the snow outside the embassy’s consular section, cracks in a glass door, and dark marks on the tiled floor. Police utilized dogs, drones, and helicopters in their initial investigation of the scene, treating the case as a high priority.
Visa Services and U.S. Embassy Operations
The U.S. Embassy in Norway continues to operate, though visitors to the Consular Section are required to have a scheduled appointment. The embassy’s primary mission is to advance U.S. Interests and protect American citizens in Norway, according to its official website. The embassy is also providing information for those planning to travel to the United States for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the country’s “beauty, greatness, and dynamism.”
Recent changes to U.S. Visa policies are also being highlighted by the embassy. Applicants for certain nonimmigrant visas – including H-1B, F, M, and J visas – are now instructed to craft their social media accounts public to facilitate vetting processes. A Presidential Proclamation (10998), effective January 1, 2026, suspends or limits visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, as well as individuals using travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The Department of State has also paused all visa issuances to diversity immigrant visa applicants.
Key Personnel at the U.S. Embassy
Currently, Eric Meyer serves as the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, having been stationed there since August 2024. Graham Harlow is the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, joining the mission in the summer of 2024. Kristen L. Gruizenga holds the position of American Presence Officer in Tromsø, Norway, since July 2025. Donald J. Trump is currently serving as President of the United States, with JD Vance as Vice President, and Marco Rubio as U.S. Secretary of State.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are focused on questioning the three arrested brothers to determine the full extent of their involvement and uncover any potential connections to larger networks or external actors. The incident has raised security concerns and prompted a thorough review of security protocols at the U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic facilities in Norway.
The coming days will be critical as investigators analyze evidence and conduct interviews. Further details regarding the motive behind the explosion and any potential links to foreign entities are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of both U.S. Citizens and the diplomatic community in Norway.
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