US thanks Switzerland for efforts on detainees in Iran
Switzerland, which acts as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, has asked Tehran to extend the medical leave of absence from detention of American navy veteran Michael White, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.
This content was published on
1 minute
Reuters/jc
Pompeo also thanked Switzerland for seeking humanitarian furloughs from Iranian detention for dual US-Iranian citizens Siamak Namazi and Morad Tabaz, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
White was sentenced in March 2019 to ten years in jail in Iran for insulting the country’s top leader and posting a private photograph publicly, according to media reportsExternal link. He was released on medical grounds, on condition that he stays in Iran, and moved to the Swiss embassyExternal link. White has reportedly been diagnosed with cancer.
Switzerland has represented US interests in Iran since 1980, when it broke off relations. In December 2019, it facilitated a prisoner swap between the two countries, despite the deterioration of their already tense relations under the Trump administration.
Washington has demanded that Iran release all the Americans it is holding, including White and a former FBI agent missing since 2007. Several dozen Iranians are being held in US jails, many of them for breaking sanctions.
More
More
Iran-US prisoner swap facilitated by Switzerland
This content was published on
Both the US and Iran have thanked Switzerland for its role in helping to facilitate a prisoner swap between them.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
This content was published on
Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
This content was published on
The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
This content was published on
Swiss citizens will vote on occupational pension schemes and a biodiversity initiative on September 22, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday.
Ukraine peace talks: 50 countries have confirmed participation
This content was published on
To date, 50 countries out 160 invited delegations have confirmed they will attend the Ukraine peace conference, held in central Switzerland in mid-June, according to Swiss public radio, RTS.
Federer-backed On boosts forecast after sneaker demand rises
This content was published on
Swiss footwear company On Holding AG posted strong first-quarter revenue, boosted by demand for its running shoes and new line of training apparel.
Michael Schumacher’s watches fetch CHF4 million at Swiss auction
This content was published on
Watches belonging to Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher sold for around CHF4 million ($4.41 million) at auction house Christie's in Geneva on Tuesday.
Macron will attend Swiss summit on Ukraine, says Zelensky
This content was published on
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the peace conference on Ukraine at the Swiss Bürgenstock resort next month, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss diplomat to Tehran summoned after Iranian general killed
This content was published on
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…
Swiss humanitarian channel with Iran open for business
This content was published on
The US and Switzerland have finalised the terms of a humanitarian trade agreement, which would allow companies to send critical supplies to Iran.
How ‘messenger’ Switzerland deals with the US and Iran
This content was published on
As tensions rise between the United States and Iran, Switzerland’s role as intermediary between the two countries has returned to the spotlight. But why is neutral Switzerland getting involved?
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.