March 11 (Reuters) - Switzerland is temporarily closing its embassy in Tehran due to the war in the Middle East and increasing security risks, the foreign office said on Wednesday. The ambassador and
Switzerland Closes Tehran Embassy but Keeps US-Iran Communication Open
Switzerland's Diplomatic Actions Amid Middle East Tensions
Temporary Closure of Embassy in Tehran
March 11 (Reuters) - Switzerland is temporarily closing its embassy in Tehran due to the war in the Middle East and increasing security risks, the foreign office said on Wednesday.
Evacuation of Swiss Staff
The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land and are safely outside the country, it added. "They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows."
Maintaining Diplomatic Channels
Continued US-Iran Communication
Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries, the statement said.
Switzerland's Role as Protecting Power
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when Washington and Tehran cut ties, Switzerland has had a mandate of a neutral "protecting power" representing U.S. diplomatic interests in Iran.
(Reporting by Thomas Seythal, editing by Madeline Chambers)
