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Switzerland reopens its embassy in Tehran after two-week closure
"Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano and a small team returned to Tehran yesterday overland via Azerbaijan. The embassy will gradually resume operations," the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. It had been closed since June 20.
“The decision to reopen the embassy was taken after a comprehensive risk analysis and in consultation with Iran and the United States, for which Switzerland represents Iran's interests as a protecting power. The current situation allows for a gradual resumption of embassy operations on site”, the statement said.
“Switzerland follows developments in the region closely and is in close contact with its partners. It is crucial that all parties return to diplomacy without delay. Switzerland's good offices and Geneva as a venue for negotiations are available for this purpose”.
Switzerland has served as the official protecting power for the US in Iran since 1980, providing a backchannel for critical communications between the two countries. The reopening of the embassy is seen as a significant development, particularly as nuclear talks between Iran and the US were suspended following a recent aggression by Israel and the US on Iran.
Iran and the US held five rounds of nuclear talks mediated by Oman. However, a sixth round scheduled for June 15 was canceled after Israel launched strikes on Iran.
The US also joined the strikes by targeting Iran’s key nuclear facilities in Qom, Markazi and Isfahan provinces.
Several countries announced the temporary closure of their embassies in Tehran due to the escalating security situation in Iran after the Israel’s aggression.