Switzerland reopens Tehran embassy
3 Min Read
The initial closure followed the surprise aggression that "Israel" launched on Iranian territory.
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A police boat passes by a Swiss flag and a fountain on Lake Geneva in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, June 15, 2021 (AP)
Switzerland has officially reopened its embassy in Tehran, signaling a cautious return to diplomatic normalcy following weeks of heightened tensions in the region.
The reopening also marks the resumption of Switzerland’s longstanding role as a diplomatic intermediary, representing US interests in Iran amid the continued absence of formal ties between Washington and Tehran.
In a statement released Sunday, the Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed that its diplomatic mission in Tehran is “again open, having temporarily been closed on June 20 owing to the instability of the situation in the country.” The initial closure followed the surprise aggression that "Israel" launched on Iranian territory.
Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano and a small team of diplomats returned to Tehran on Saturday, traveling overland through Azerbaijan. The embassy is now set to undergo a phased return to full operational capacity, according to Swiss officials.
“Having now returned to Tehran, Switzerland is once again in a position to fulfil its role as a protecting power for US interests in Iran,” the ministry stated.
Wider context
Switzerland has served as the official protecting power for the United States in Iran since 1980, providing a backchannel for critical communications between the two governments. The reopening of the embassy is seen as a significant development, particularly as nuclear talks between Iran and the US remain fragile.
The return of the Swiss mission comes at a pivotal moment. Since April 12, five rounds of nuclear talks have taken place, with Oman acting as mediator. However, a sixth round scheduled for June 15 was abruptly canceled after "Israel" launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, resulting in the assassination of senior Iranian scientists, military officials, and civilians.
In a dramatic escalation, US President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on three nuclear-related facilities in central Iran on the night of June 21–22. Iran, which has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, responded with retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli targets.
A temporary ceasefire between Iran and "Israel" was reached on June 24.
Broader implications
The resumption of Switzerland’s diplomatic presence in Tehran may help restore limited but vital communication channels amid rising tensions. With the embassy once again operational, attention may now return to the stalled nuclear talks and efforts to de-escalate military confrontation in a region on edge.
