Norwegian minister resigns after taking his work phone along

Norwegian Fishing Minister has resigned after violating the security protocol during a break last month with his Iran-born girlfriend.

Per Sandberg, 58, agreed to go with Bahareh Letnes, 28, without informing the country's prime minister and taking the government phone to Iran, reports the BBC.

The trip has jeopardised Sandberg's exposure to Iranian spies, since he shouldn't have taken his work phone with him, transmits Koha.net.

Letnes is the former queen of beauty who now manages a fish export business. It has Norwegian residence permits and has denied to have any connections with Iran's Islamic government. Norwegian intelligence has reportedly begun investigating its activities.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg said she has ordered from Sandberg to hand over his phone to the police for security checks. He has also resigned from the post of deputy leader of the Progressive Party.

“Peri himself sought to leave the post, and I think it was the right decision”, said the prime minister, a conservative who is in the ruling coalition with the Progressive Party.

He was careful when on security issues”, she said, according to AFP.

Sea food is Norway's second largest exporter industry, after oil and gas.