Switzerland 'temporarily closes' embassy in Iran amid security concerns

GENEVA

Switzerland has "temporarily closed" its embassy in Iran and evacuated the remaining diplomatic staff due to escalating security risks linked to the war in the Middle East, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The ministry said in a statement that the ambassador to Iran, Olivier Bangerter, and five other Swiss staff members left the country by land and are "now safely outside Iran."

"Due to the attacks by the US 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 statement added.

According to the readout, four Swiss employees had already left the country on March 3, while the remaining six staff, including the envoy, departed on Wednesday.

"They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows," the ministry said.

Despite the closure, Switzerland said it will continue its role as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran. "As part of its good offices, Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries."

The Swiss mission provides consular services to US citizens living in or travelling to Iran.

The statement said both the US and Iran were informed of the embassy’s temporary closure and staff departure.