Geneva [Switzerland], June 21: Switzerland has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran due to the deteriorating security situation caused by the escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) announced on Friday.
According to the FDFA, all expatriate staff have safely departed Iran. The final group, including Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano, traveled overland to neighboring Azerbaijan. They will return to Tehran once conditions permit.
The decision comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is engaged in talks in Geneva with his counterparts from Britain, France, and Germany, along with representatives from the European Union.
Switzerland has informed both the United States and Iran of the temporary closure of its embassy and the departure of its expatriate staff. The Swiss government said it will continue to serve as an intermediary to facilitate communication between the two countries.
The FDFA voiced deep concern over the rapidly worsening situation, particularly since hostilities escalated on June 13, and warned of the risk of further violence. Switzerland called for full respect for international law and urged all parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
