interview
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis is in regular contact with the Swiss diplomats who are holding out in Tehran despite the hail of bombs. In the interview he says how they are doing.
03/03/2026, 11:2803/03/2026, 11:28
Stefan Bühler / ch media
On the sidelines of the spring session of the Federal Council, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis commented on the war in the Middle East to several media representatives. This newspaper recorded the conversation.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (standing) and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at a meeting in Geneva.Image: keystone
Mr Federal Councilor, the conflict has quickly spread to the entire region. What are you most worried about at the moment?
Ignazio Cassis: Exactly that. The regionalization, the geographical expansion of the conflict. It has now spread to virtually the entire Middle East. That is by far the biggest concern.
What can Switzerland do in this situation?
Continue with what it is already doing: offering its good offices, its peace diplomacy, trying to facilitate dialogue – and supporting humanitarian aid where it is needed.
The Swiss protective power mandate came under criticism at the weekend. This means that Switzerland cannot take a clear position, especially towards the regime in Tehran.
No, that is not the case. We have had this mandate for over 40 years. It allows us to accomplish what little remains to be accomplished between the United States and Iran. In doing so, we adhered to international law and UN sanctions.
The Swiss embassy in Tehran remains open. Have you had contact with our diplomats on site in the last few hours?
Yes, I have had several contacts with our diplomats in the last few hours. The situation is characterized by fear of the clearly audible mortar shells, the sirens that scream incessantly and call on people to seek shelter, as well as the uncertainty about the further development of the situation. However, everyone is doing well at the moment. The embassy suffered no damage and there are no casualties. So for now, let’s just hope and pray that this attack doesn’t last too long.
Still open for now: The Swiss embassy in Tehran.Image: EDA
Do you still have a direct contact in Tehran, a minister at your level?
Not at the moment. They are faced with bombing raids and do not have the opportunity to be seen. But I spoke to my counterpart in Geneva last week and kept in touch. To be honest, I don’t know what it will mean for the government if Iran gets a new leader. Whether there will be changes in the cabinet, what internal decisions will be made – that’s all open. (aargauerzeitung.ch)