Navigation

Trump threats on Twitter spark new summon for Swiss envoy in Iran

As the United States and Iran spar over the killing of Qasem Soleimani, Switzerland gets caught in the middle. Keystone


The Swiss envoy representing United States interests in Tehran was summoned by Iranian authorities on Sunday in protest over threats made by President Donald Trump, according to Reuters news agencyExternal link.

This content was published on January 5, 2020 - 15:40
Reuters-swissinfo.ch/ds

Washington, Trump vowed in a series of Twitter messages posted on Saturday, will target Iranian sites if Tehran attacks American citizens or assets in retaliation for the killing of military commander Qasem Soleimani.

Iran has threatened “revenge” after the United States confirmed on Friday that President Donald Trump had ordered the strike against the head of the Iranian elite Quds force.

External Content


The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed a meeting was held "under the protective power mandate" and described the contents of the discussion as "confidential."

This marks the second time that Iran summons the Swiss envoy representing US interest in Tehran since the commander was killed in Iraq.

Switzerland has exercised a “protecting power mandate” for the United States in Iran since 1980.

Washington broke off relations with Tehran in 1980 over the hostage crisis that kept 52 American diplomats and citizens trapped at its embassy in Iran for 444 days.

The alpine state offers its “Good OfficesExternal link” between in conflict countries that have cut off official ties.

Articles in this story

In compliance with the JTI standards

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

Sort by

Change your password

Do you really want to delete your profile?

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.

Discover our weekly must-reads for free!

Sign up to get our top stories straight into your mailbox.

The SBC Privacy Policy provides additional information on how your data is processed.