Switzerland temporarily shuts embassy in Tehran, urges return to dialogue

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Switzerland announced on Friday the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran due to the ongoing Israel-Iran war, with all diplomatic staff safely evacuated from the country.

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) said on X: “Due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, the #FDFA is temporarily closing its embassy in #Tehran. The staff has left the country and is safe.”

Despite the closure, Switzerland reaffirmed its continued commitment to represent US interests in Iran under its longstanding protecting power mandate.

The ministry also called for urgent diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.

“Switzerland continues to represent (US) interests in (Iran) under its protecting power mandate. It calls for an urgent return to #dialogue,” it added.

Hostilities began last Friday when Israel launched airstrikes on targets in Iran, including military and nuclear sites. Tehran responded with missile strikes targeting Israeli territory.

According to Iranian media, at least 639 people have been killed and more than 1,300 injured in Israel’s attacks on Iran. Israeli authorities say 25 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in Iranian strikes.