Escalation between Israel and Iran: FDFA temporarily closing embassy in Iran

In view of the intensity of military operations in Iran and the highly unstable situation on the ground, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. All expatriate staff have now left Iran and are safe. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. Switzerland is continuing to fulfil its protecting power mandate for the US in Iran through its good offices in agreement with both countries. Switzerland calls for an urgent return to dialogue with a view to de-escalation.

Switzerland is following the escalation between Israel and Iran that began on 13 June with grave concern. The situation is highly unstable and there is a risk of further escalation and even greater violence. To ensure the safety of its staff, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. On 17 June, five expatriate staff and their partners left for Turkmenistan; the remaining seven staff members, including Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano, have now also left overland and will arrive in Azerbaijan this evening. They will subsequently travel to Switzerland and will remain on stand-by to return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. The FDFA is also in close contact with local staff who can no longer travel to the Swiss embassy for security reasons.

Both the US and Iran have been informed of the embassy's temporary closure and departure of its expatriate staff. Switzerland will continue to act as an intermediary transmitting communications between the US and Iran as and when both parties consider appropriate. The protecting power mandate can be fulfilled regardless of location. On behalf of the US authorities, the FDFA is continuing to keep US citizens in Iran informed of the risks and measures to be taken via the Foreign Interests Section website. 

Head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis informed the Federal Council this morning of the temporary closure of the embassy in Tehran. Switzerland reiterates its call on all parties for strict compliance with international law. The current escalation is not in the interests of any of the parties and there is an urgent need to return to the path of dialogue. The FDFA is ready to offer its good offices in this regard.

At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council discussed the situation in the Middle East. Following the Federal Council meeting, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, gave a statement to the media in Bern on the latest escalation between Israel and Iran.

In his statement (PDF, 2 Pages, 109.2 kB, French), Federal Councillor Cassis emphasised the following points in particular:

• Switzerland is deeply concerned about the latest escalation between Israel and Iran following the military strikes. It condemns any use of force that violates the Charter of the United Nations and international law. A further escalation of hostilities will only increase instability in the region.
• Switzerland calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any action that could further fuel tensions. It is imperative to return to the path of dialogue. Escalation is not in the interests of any party. Should the conflict spread, the consequences would be devastating.
• Stability in the Middle East must remain a priority. Switzerland urges all actors to use existing diplomatic channels and to work constructively towards de-escalating the situation.
• Switzerland is monitoring the situation closely and is in close contact with its partners. It reaffirms the importance of strict compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians under all circumstances.

The staff at the Swiss representations in Israel and Iran are safe. The two embassies are in contact with the respective Swiss communities. Approximately 200 Swiss nationals are currently in Iran, and around 29,000 in Israel.

Statement by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the escalation between Israel and Iran (PDF, 2 Pages, 109.2 kB, French)