Bern, Switzerland – February 28, 2026 – Switzerland has expressed deep alarm over the joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran and called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and fully respect international law, including the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) described the situation as highly concerning amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. “Switzerland is deeply alarmed by today’s strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran,” the ministry wrote. “We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
The neutral country emphasized the need for strict adherence to international legal obligations, particularly those safeguarding civilian lives and objects during armed conflict. Switzerland reiterated its long-standing commitment to diplomacy, de-escalation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, while underscoring the importance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter.
The Swiss call for restraint follows the launch of coordinated strikes early Saturday, which targeted Iranian military sites, missile production facilities, and reportedly senior leadership figures. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released separate video statements confirming the operation—designated “Operation Epic Fury” by the US and “Roaring Lion” by Israel—framing it as pre-emptive to neutralize threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear ambitions, and regional proxy networks.
Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on the population to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging potential US casualties. Netanyahu described the action as historic and essential to eliminate an existential threat to Israel. Reports indicate explosions in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and other locations, with Iranian air defenses engaging retaliatory missile and drone barrages aimed at Israel and US bases in the Gulf (Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia).
Iran condemned the strikes as a grave violation of sovereignty and vowed a “crushing” response. Iranian state media reported civilian casualties, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly hit. No independent verification of the school strike or leadership casualties has been possible amid restricted access and ongoing conflict.
The military action comes as indirect nuclear negotiations—mediated by Oman—were progressing, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, had stated that a deal was “within our reach” and that “peace is within our reach.” The sudden strikes have cast serious doubt on the future of diplomacy.
This escalation echoes the June 2025 12-day Israel-Iran war, during which Israel initiated strikes and the United States later joined, bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan). Those actions were reported to have set back—but not eliminated—Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to International Atomic Energy Agency assessments.
Switzerland’s neutral stance and humanitarian tradition make its voice particularly notable in calls for de-escalation. The country has long hosted sensitive diplomatic talks, including rounds of Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva, and maintains a policy of avoiding military alliances while advocating for international law and civilian protection.
The statement aligns with broader international reactions. The European Union, through Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also called for maximum restraint, civilian protection, and respect for international law. Russia and China condemned the strikes as sovereignty violations, while the UN Security Council convened an emergency session. Gulf states closed airspace in several areas, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over energy market disruptions.
Oil prices surged sharply in response to fears over the Strait of Hormuz. As missile exchanges continue and regional airspace remains volatile, Switzerland’s appeal underscores growing international anxiety over civilian safety and the risk of a wider regional war.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry has not issued specific travel advisories beyond general caution but is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with partners to support Swiss nationals in the region if needed.
With the conflict entering its early hours and retaliatory actions ongoing, global attention remains focused on preventing further escalation and protecting civilian lives amid the rapidly deteriorating security environment.
