Iran’s Israel strikes shed light on Swiss role as ‘protecting power’

Washington and Tehran have not had diplomatic relations for decades, but before Iran’s attack on Israel they had direct communications through “the Swiss channel”

Washington and Tehran have not had diplomatic relations for decades, but before Iran’s attack on Israel they had direct communications through “the Swiss channel”.

Switzerland represents U.S. interests in Iran, and its role as go-between takes on heightened importance at times of soaring tensions.

Also read: How U.S. helped counter Iran's attack on Israel | Explained

The Swiss Foreign Ministry refused on Monday to divulge what actions the country had taken in connection with Iran’s weekend attack on Israel.

But U.S. and Iranian officials alluded to the important role Switzerland was playing as an intermediary.

As Washington engaged in whirlwind efforts prior to the attack to prepare for the expected violence, it sent “a series of direct communications through the Swiss channel”, a senior administration official said.

Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armed forces’ chief of staff, was more explicit, telling state television that “we sent a message to America through the Swiss embassy that if it cooperates with Israel in their next potential actions, their bases will not be secure”.