Switzerland Today
Dear Swiss Abroad,
The joint US–Israeli strike on Iran and the ensuing regional escalation are major talking points in Switzerland.
Reports from stranded Swiss nationals are mounting, as the authorities underline that Switzerland’s long‑standing mediation role may help reduce tensions between the warring parties.
Happy reading,
More than 4,000 Swiss tourists are currently stranded in the Middle East following the closure of several national airspaces. Swiss nationals in the region report an “uncomfortable situation” but say they do not feel in immediate danger.
After the strikes on Iran and the Islamic Republic’s retaliation, several Gulf states have shut their airspace as an emergency measure. Over 4,000 Swiss tourists are currently stranded in the region. Since Saturday, the Swiss foreign ministry helpline has handled over 300 direct calls and increased its capacity.
So far, no Swiss nationals abroad have requested repatriation. Rosy Pangari, a Swiss woman who moved to Dubai in November, describes “the uncomfortable feeling of knowing that missiles are passing overhead”. Yet daily life appears to continue: “If you didn’t hear the explosions, you could believe that nothing is happening.”
As in similar crises, the Swiss foreign ministry underlines the importance of individual responsibility and does not currently plan any repatriation flights. Swiss nationals must rely on available commercial options, although many airlines have suspended services to the region. The federal authorities say they are monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with Swiss to “assess possible solutions”.
At the political level, Switzerland has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict across the Middle East. On Sunday it called for a return to diplomacy, just three days after US–Iran talks in Geneva.
Following the US and Israeli strikes in Iran, and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks in the Gulf and against Israel, Switzerland “calls for full respect for international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law,” declared Swiss President Guy Parmelin.
On Saturday, the Swiss government reiterated its readiness “to support any diplomatic process leading to de‑escalation and a return to dialogue”. As a “protecting power”, Switzerland represents US interests in Iran and has enabled the two countries to maintain minimal diplomatic contact for decades.
The Swiss embassy in Tehran remains open, as do other Swiss missions in the region. Financial safe‑haven assets such as the US dollar and Swiss franc rose sharply on Sunday, while markets braced for higher oil and gold prices.
The spring parliamentary session opened on Monday with a minute of silence for the victims of the Crans‑Montana bar fire. Several issues relevant to Swiss nationals abroad will be discussed in the current session that runs until March 20.
Both chambers took a moment to reflect on the Crans-Montana tragedy before beginning business. The Senate was scheduled to address a postulate by Social Democrat Carlo Sommaruga, calling for an assessment of whether the Swiss Abroad Act “remains suited to the changing context or requires adjustment”. The Federal Council recommends adoption.
The House of Representatives must also finalise the government’s 2027 savings programme. The Federal Council proposes eliminating the federal contribution to the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC’s) international offering (which includes Swissinfo) and sharply reducing subsidies for the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) and Swiss schools abroad.
Children’s pensions for Swiss expatriates also face uncertainty. Adopted by the House of Representatives in 2024, the motion now moves to the Senate. For many Swiss abroad, these pensions represent a significant additional income. Domestic opinion largely favours their abolition.
According to Helene Budliger Artieda, director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) “nothing is clear yet” regarding possible refunds of US customs duties.
Swiss companies hope to recover money after the US Supreme Court invalidated the initial tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Between April and November 2025, nearly $2 billion in duties were levied on Swiss goods. Following the Supreme Court ruling, Swiss firms may now seek reimbursement.
But uncertainties remain. “Nothing is clear yet,” Budliger Artieda warns, pointing to unanswered questions about deadlines and required documentation. “Our duty in the coming days is to inform companies about the process. But the decision to request a refund is up to each company,” she told the Swiss public broadcaster RTS on Sunday.
Switzerland plans to continue dialogue with US authorities as the situation evolves.
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