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Switzerland has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran due to the war in the Middle East and rising security risks, the Swiss foreign ministry said Wednesday.
The Swiss foreign ministry said the security of embassy staff in Tehran could no longer be guaranteed due to attacks involving the United States, Israel and Iran across the region.
“Due to the attacks by the U.S. and Israel against Iran and Iran’s attacks on various countries in the Middle East, the security of staff at the Swiss embassy in Tehran can no longer be guaranteed,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Swiss ambassador and all remaining embassy staff left Iran by land on Wednesday, according to the statement.
The ministry said both the U.S. and Iran had been informed of the temporary closure of the embassy and the departure of Swiss staff.
Switzerland has served for decades as the protecting power representing U.S. interests in Iran after Washington severed diplomatic relations with Tehran in 1980.
The break in relations followed the seizure of the American embassy in Tehran and the subsequent hostage crisis.
“Switzerland will continue to be available to channel communications that the parties consider useful,” the foreign ministry said.
The ministry added that the protecting power mandate can be exercised independently of geographical location.
The U.S. Embassy in Bern said it respects the Swiss government’s decision and noted that Switzerland’s role remains essential in protecting U.S. interests and supporting American citizens.
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