Swiss diplomat to Tehran summoned after Iranian general killed
The Swiss embassy in Tehran, which represents the interests of the United States in Iran, has been called upon to convey messages between the two countries following the killing of an Iranian general by a US air strike.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
Irán convoca a diplomáticos suizos tras ataque de EE UU
Switzerland has called on both sides to avoid escalating an already volatile situation.
Iran has threatened “revenge” following the death of Qasem Soleimani in Iraq on Friday. The US has confirmed that President Donald Trump had ordered the strike against the head of the Iranian elite Quds Force.
The Iranian foreign ministry tweeted that it had summoned officials from the Swiss embassy to express outrage at the “assassination of General Soleimani”, saying it was a “blatant example of American state terrorism”, reports the Swiss news agency, Keystone-SDA.
In an emailed statement to swissinfo.ch, the Swiss foreign ministry “confirms that the chargé d’affaires of the Swiss embassy in Tehran was summoned to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 3 January 2020.”
“The chargé d’affaires was summoned in connection with the protecting power mandate under which Switzerland represents the interests of the United States in Iran and which also allows a diplomatic channel of communication to be maintained between the US and Iran. The Swiss communication channel is fulfilling its function.”
The statement added: “In view of recent developments in the region, Switzerland calls on both sides to avoid any further escalation.”
Neutral Switzerland offers its “Good OfficesExternal link” between countries that have cut off official ties due to disputes.
“Switzerland can build bridges where others are prevented from doing so, because it does not belong to any power bloc and does not pursue a hidden agenda,” states a Swiss foreign office website.
The death of General Soleimani, viewed by the US as a sponsor of terrorism, has ratcheted up tensions considerably.
More
More
What are Switzerland’s good offices good for?
This content was published on
As tensions and oil prices rise in the Middle East, the Swiss foreign ministry is offering its good offices. But what are they?
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Cassis has called on the US to facilitate the provision of aid to Iran to de-escalate tensions between the US and Iran.
Remembering Switzerland’s role in the American hostage crisis in Iran
This content was published on
A Swiss documentary looks at how Swiss diplomats found themselves at the centre of a geopolitical flashpoint 40 years ago.
Iran protests to Swiss envoy over US drone airspace ‘violation’
This content was published on
Iran has reportedly protested to the Swiss envoy in Tehran over what Iran said was a violation of its airspace by a US drone.
Swiss foreign minister concerned about war risk in the Middle East
This content was published on
The recent drone attacks on Saudi oil installations have intensified Switzerland’s role as intermediary between the US and Iran.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.