Tehran: Switzerland announced on Friday the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran due to the ongoing Israel-Iran war, with all diplomatic staff safely evacuated from the country. Despite the closure, Switzerland reaffirmed its continued commitment to represent US interests in Iran under its longstanding protecting power mandate. The ministry also called for urgent diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.

According to Anadolu Agency, hostilities began last Friday when Israel launched airstrikes on targets in Iran, including military and nuclear sites. Tehran responded with missile strikes targeting Israeli territory. Iranian media reports that at least 639 people have been killed and more than 1,300 injured in Israel's attacks on Iran. Israeli authorities say 25 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in Iranian strikes.