View source for Iran–Switzerland relations

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox bilateral relations|Iran–Switzerland|Iran|Switzerland|map=Iran Switzerland Locator.svg}}
[[File:Bern Thunstrasse 68 Embassy of Iran in Switzerland DSC01329.jpg|thumb|Iranian embassy at Bern, Switzerland]]
[[File:Ambassador Markus Leitner, Interview with FNA - 30 April 2018 05.jpg|thumb|Markus Leitner, Swiss ambassador to Iran from August 27, 2017, Interviewed by [[Fars News Agency|FNA]] on April 30, 2018.]]
'''Iran–Switzerland relations''' are foreign relations between the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]] and the [[Swiss Confederation]].
Switzerland has had a consulate in [[Tehran]] since 1919 which was raised to the status of embassy in 1936 and also represents the interests of the [[United States]] in Tehran. Switzerland has also represented Iran in [[Canada]], [[Israel]], and Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/good-offices_switzerland-to-represent-iranian-interests-in-canada/45029422|title=Switzerland to represent Iranian interests in Canada
|publisher=[[Swissinfo]]}}</ref><ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |title=Swiss Back Channel Helped Defuse U.S.-Iran Crisis |date=January 12, 2020 |first1= Drew |last1=Hinshaw |first2=Joe |last2=Parkinson |first3=Benoit |last3=Faucon |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/swiss-back-channel-helped-defuse-u-s-iran-crisis-11578702290 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200113141647/https://www.wsj.com/articles/swiss-back-channel-helped-defuse-u-s-iran-crisis-11578702290 |archive-date=January 13, 2020}}</ref>
==History==
=== Notable Monarchy-era Iranians who lived and studied in Switzerland ===
Former Iranian Prime Minister, [[Mohammad Mosaddegh]] obtained his Doctorate of Laws (''doctorat en droit'') at the [[University of Neuchâtel]] in Switzerland, 1911. As a child, [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]], the [[Pahlavi dynasty|Shah of Iran]] attended [[Institut Le Rosey]], a Swiss [[boarding school]], completing his studies there in 1935.
===1979 Revolution===
Switzerland becomes the "[[protecting power]]" of the [[United States]] in Iran after the [[Iranian Revolution]] of 1979.
Since May 1980, the Swiss embassy in Tehran has been consistently relaying diplomatic communications between Iran and the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/iran/ |access-date=14 April 2023|website=state.gov|title=Countries. Iran}}</ref>
===Iran–Iraq war===
Beginning in 1984, victims of the [[Iran–Iraq War]] received medical treatment in neutral Switzerland, while [[List of companies of Switzerland|Swiss companies]] were doing multibillion-dollar business with [[Iraq]] at the same time.  Cooperation on the national level to prevent natural catastrophes was initiated in 2006.
===Murder of Kazem Rajavi===
[[Ali Fallahian]], an [[Iran]]ian politician and [[cleric]] who served as a member of the 3rd [[Assembly of Experts]] of the [[Islamic Republic of Iran|IRI]] and as the [[Ministry of Intelligence of Iran|Minister of Intelligence]] of [[Islamic Republic of Iran]] in cabinet of President [[Hashemi Rafsanjani]] was charged by a Swiss court<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/swissinfo.html?siteSect=106&sid=6617021&cKey=1144592966000|title=Swiss orders arrest of Iranian ex-minister|website=Swissinfo.org|access-date=January 11, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930210827/http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/swissinfo.html?siteSect=106&sid=6617021&cKey=1144592966000|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200604/10/eng20060410_257175.html|title=People's Daily Online – Switzerland orders arrest of Iranian ex-minister on murder charges|website=English.peopledaily.com|access-date=May 18, 2016}}</ref> with masterminding the assassination of [[Kazem Rajavi]], a brother of [[Mujahedin-e Khalq]] leader [[Massoud Rajavi]], near [[Geneva]] in broad daylight by several agents on April 24, 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news3.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-04/10/content_4403509.htm|title=Xinhua – English|website=News3.xinhuanet.com|access-date=May 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232410/http://news3.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-04/10/content_4403509.htm|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Crypto AG and espionage case===
In 1992, [[Hans Buehler]] an employee of Swiss firm [[Crypto AG]] was detained in Iran on charges of espionage. He was later released by the Iranian authorities after the firm paid a 1 million dollar bond.<ref name="schneier2004">{{cite web
|url=http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-0406.html#1
|title=Breaking Iranian codes
|last=Schneier
|first=Bruce
|date=June 15, 2004
|work=Crypto-Gram newsletter}}</ref> Soon after Buehler's release Crypto AG dismissed him and charged him the $1m. Swiss media and the German magazine ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' took up his case in 1994, pursuing the question of whether Crypto's machines had in fact been rigged by Western intelligence (namely the [[National Security Agency|NSA]]).<ref>[http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/5d6f440e-4749-11e5-85d0-41b5fd577541/La_lune_de_miel_secr%C3%A8te_entre_la_Suisse_et_le_renseignement_international Mehdi Atmani: La lune de miel secrète entre la Suisse et le renseignement international] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823052448/http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/5d6f440e-4749-11e5-85d0-41b5fd577541/La_lune_de_miel_secr%C3%A8te_entre_la_Suisse_et_le_renseignement_international |date=August 23, 2015 }}. Le Temps, August 21, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.</ref><ref name="shane1995">{{cite news
|first=Scott
|last=Shane
|author2=Tom Bowman
|title=No Such Agency, part four: Rigging the game
|url=http://jya.com/nsa-sun.htm
|work=The Baltimore Sun
|pages=9–11
|date=December 4, 1995
|access-date=December 19, 2008
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720180806/http://jya.com/nsa-sun.htm
|archive-date=July 20, 2008
|url-status=dead
}} Archived online March 8, 1997.</ref><ref>[http://english.ohmynews.com/ArticleView/article_view.asp?no=381337&rel_no=1 The NSA-Crypto AG Sting – OhmyNews International] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229021050/http://english.ohmynews.com/ArticleView/article_view.asp?no=381337&rel_no=1 |date=December 29, 2008 }}. English.ohmynews.com (December 29, 2007). Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/intelligence_investigation-opened-into-swiss-encryption-firm-linked-to-cia-/45552020|title=Investigation opened into Swiss encryption firm linked to CIA|website=SWI swissinfo.ch|access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref> In 2020, a Swiss parliamentary investigation revealed that in fact "[[Swiss intelligence agencies|Swiss intelligence service]] were aware of and benefited from the Zug-based firm Crypto AG’s involvement in the US-led spying".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-intelligence-benefited-from-cia-crypto-spying-affair/46153706 |title=Swiss intelligence benefited from CIA-Crypto spying affair |date=November 10, 2020 |website=www.swissinfo.ch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111022708/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-intelligence-benefited-from-cia-crypto-spying-affair/46153706 |archive-date=11 November 2020}}
</ref>
===Friedrich Tinner, the Iranian nuclear program and the CIA===
[[Friedrich Tinner]] is a Swiss engineer, connected with the [[A. Q. Khan|Khan network]] trafficking in the proliferation of nuclear materials and know-how to Pakistan, [[Iran]], Libya, and North Korea. He has been connected in particular with [[gas centrifuge]]s used for [[isotopic enrichment]] of uranium.<ref>{{in lang|fr}} [http://www.tsr.ch/tsr/index.html?siteSect=370501&sid=10102666 émissions – temps présent – Les espions qui venaient d'Helvétie]. tsr.ch (January 22, 2009). Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref> In May 2008, the [[President of the Swiss Confederation]], [[Pascal Couchepin]] announced that the [[Friedrich Tinner|Tinner files]], believed to number around 30,000 documents, had been shredded.<ref name="Guardian, Traynor" >{{cite journal
|title=Nuclear bomb blueprints for sale on world black market, experts fear
|journal=The Guardian |location=UK
|author=Ian Traynor
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/may/31/nuclear.internationalcrime?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront
|date=May 31, 2008
}}</ref> It is alleged that this was a cover-up, to hide the involvement of Urs Tinner with the [[CIA]].<ref name="NYT, Broad" >{{cite journal
|title=In Nuclear Net's Undoing, a Web of Shadowy Deals
|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/world/25nuke.html?pagewanted=1&em
|journal=New York Times
|date=August 24, 2008
|author=[[William J. Broad]] and [[David E. Sanger]]
}}</ref><ref name="Swissinfo, Urs CIA" >{{cite web
|title=US delivers legal aid in nuclear probe
|url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/front/US_delivers_legal_aid_in_nuclear_probe.html?siteSect=105&sid=7301039&cKey=1164805998000&ty=st
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115222010/http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/front/US_delivers_legal_aid_in_nuclear_probe.html?siteSect=105&sid=7301039&cKey=1164805998000&ty=st
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=January 15, 2013
|date=November 28, 2006
|website=Swissinfo.ch
}}</ref>
===Swiss diplomat arrested on sexual charges===
In February 2009, the [[Military of Iran|Iranian police]] arrested [[Marco Kämpf]], the Swiss diplomat acting as the [[Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the United States|First Secretary of the US Interests]], on [[Sexual misconduct|sex charges]] after finding him with an Iranian woman in a car. The diplomat was recalled to Switzerland.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Swiss+call+diplomat+home--but+is+there+a+scandal%3F-a0194697732|title=Swiss call diplomat home—but is there a scandal?|work=Iran Times International|date=February 20, 2009|location=Washington, DC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Schweizer Diplomat nicht mehr im Iran tätig |url-status=dead |url=http://www.20min.ch/news/kreuz_und_quer/story/18437312|work=20 Minuten |date=February 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229101444/http://www.20min.ch/news/kreuz_und_quer/story/18437312 |archive-date=December 29, 2016 |access-date=December 29, 2016}}</ref>
===Human rights dialogue and the 2009 Swiss vote on minarets===
{{see also|Human rights in Iran|Immigration to Switzerland#Racism}}
The two countries have been engaged in a human rights dialogue since 2003 and in discussions on migration since 2005. Following a [[Minaret controversy in Switzerland|constitutional amendment banning the construction of new minarets in Switzerland in 2009]], Iran described the Swiss vote as "[[Islamophobic]]" and a blow to religious freedom.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
===Security incidences at the Iranian embassy in Bern===
In November 2011, Swiss police investigated two minor attacks on the Iranian Embassy in Bern.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/world/detail/117925/|title=Swiss police: Iran embassy attacked – Nov. 30, 2011|date=November 30, 2011|website=Kyivpost.ocm|access-date=January 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mehrnews.com/en/newsdetail.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904044703/http://www.mehrnews.com/en/newsdetail.aspx?NewsID=1478270|archive-date=2012-09-04|url-status=dead|title=Iranian embassy in Bern is not safe: ambassador|access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref>
On 1 October 2022, Swiss police had to use rubber bullets to disperse a crowd of a thousand protesters in front of the Iranian embassy in Bern. The demonstrators protested against the death of a young woman in Iranian police custody the month before.<ref>[https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/hundreds-of-swiss-demonstrate-against-iranian-repression/47946352 "Hundreds of Swiss demonstrate against Iranian repression"] ''swissinfo''. Retrieved 9 October 2022.</ref>
=== Tax evasion ===
{{See also|Banking in Switzerland#Tax evasion|Taxation in Iran#Tax evasion}}
In 2014, international medias reported Iranian nationals to be listed among the [[Swiss Leaks|tax evaders in Switzerland]].
=== Death of Swiss diplomat===
In 2021, Iranian authorities found the dead body of a Swiss diplomat at the base of a tower in [[Tehran]]. The cause of the fall was “unknown”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/4/swiss-diplomat-in-iran-found-dead-after-fall-from-tower-block|title=Swiss diplomat in Iran found dead after 'fall from tower block'|website=www.aljazeera.com|accessdate=April 14, 2023}}</ref>
===Diplomatic representation on behalf of the United States===
The Swiss diplomatic corps in Tehran has represented U.S. interests soon after the Islamic revolution in 1979. A number of crucial agreements such as the [[JCPOA]] in 2015 but particularly direct affairs such as the exchange of U.S. and Iranian detainees in 2023 were negotiated through the Swiss protecting power mandate. Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked Switzerland for its valuable service during the prisoner swap in 2023.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Swiss charge d'affaires in September 2023. Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] met with the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi and GCC member states' foreign ministers in New York and issued a joint statement that included a warning to Iran “to cease its proliferation of dangerous weapons that pose a grave security threat to the region". Despite an improved diplomatic climate between the U.S. and Iran and renewed diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Tehran claims the plunder by the U.S “of the region's wealth and resources through pursuing its Iranophobia policy." The Swiss diplomat assured to convey Iran's protest to Washington as soon as possible.<ref> [https://english.news.cn/20230923/633096abbd004a3b981fb72406f29bc1/c.html “Iran summons Swiss charge d'affaires over U.S. anti-Tehran claims”] xinhuanet. Accessed 30 Sep 2023.</ref>
In the aftermath of the [[Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus]] in April 2024, the U.S. indirectly communicated with Iran through the Swiss intermediary about the imminent attack on Israel. Iran also utilised the Swiss protecting power mandate to communicate to the U.S. concerning Iranian demands. While the Swiss mandate played a vital role during the conflict, its foreign ministry refused to divulge any reaction Switzerland
had taken in reaction to the attack.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranian-notice-attack-may-have-dampened-escalation-risks-2024-04-14/ "Iran says it gave warning before attacking Israel. US says that's not true"] April 1st 2024. ''Reuters''. Accessed Sep 8, 2024</ref><ref>[https://www.barrons.com/news/vital-swiss-role-as-us-iran-go-between-as-tensions-soar-222d51e1 "Vital Swiss Role As US-Iran Go-between, As Tensions Soar".] ''AFP''. Accessed 8 Sep 2024.</ref>
In early October 2024 after Iran's second attack on Israel, foreign minister [[Abbas Araqchi]] communicated to the U.S. via the Swiss embassy saying "it was our right to self-defence and that we do not intend to continue (the attack)".<ref>[https://www.firstpost.com/world/after-raining-missiles-on-israel-iran-warns-us-via-switzerland-over-regional-tension-report-13821363.html "After raining missiles on Israel, Iran warns US ‘via Switzerland’ over regional tension: Report"] ''firstpost.com.'' Accessed Oct 8 2024.</ref>
===Bilateral relations===
Marking 100 years of high-level diplomatic ties, Swiss president [[Ignazio Cassis]] made an official visit to Iran from 5 to 7 September 2020. Mr Cassis‘ encounter with Iranian President [[Hassan Rouhani]], Foreign Minister [[Mohammad Javad Zarif]] and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council [[Ali Shamkhani]] underscored the successful bilateral ties and continued presence of Swiss companies and institutions in Iran. Swiss Representatives of the national security and foreign affairs committees were also present at the talks. Swiss officials were introduced to the new speaker of the [[Iranian Parliament]] [[Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf]], reflecting the excellent cooperation between the two nations. Discussions on the ongoing Swiss humanitarian channel were another important topic during the visit by the Swiss president.
==Trade==
===Oil trade===
{{See also|Naftiran Intertrade}}
[[Marc Rich]], a US-Israeli businessman with international ties, entered Iran through his [[Glencore]] company headquartered in Switzerland. Rich ignored [[sanctions against Iran|US and international sanctions on Iran]] and became the major trader of Iranian oil for 15 years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/.premium-marc-rich-the-ayatollahs-and-israel-1.5287551|title=Marc Rich, the Man Who Sold Iranian Oil to Israel|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref>
===Arms trade with Israel and Swiss banks===
{{see also|Iran-Israel relations|Iran-Contra}}
[[The Observer]] estimated that [[Israel]]-based private arms dealers sold Iran US-made weapons during the [[Iran–Iraq War]] totaled US$500 million annually, to supply Iran's Shah-based arsenal at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrmea.org/1986-november/israeli-arms-sales-to-iran.html|title = Israeli Arms Sales to Iran}}</ref> [[Time magazine]] reported that throughout 1981 and 1982, "the Israelis reportedly set up [[Banking in Switzerland|Swiss bank accounts]] to handle the financial end of the deals”.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963021,00.html |title=From Many Strands, a Tangled Web - TIME |website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408171452/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963021,00.html |archive-date=8 April 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>For more on Israeli Hawk missile sales to Iran see Richard Johns, "Arms Embargo Which Cannot Withstand The Profit Motive," Financial Times (London), 13 November 1987)</ref>
===Trade agreements===
{{see also|Iran and WTO}}
There are agreements between the two countries on air traffic (1954, 1972 and 2004), road and rail transport (1977), export risk guarantees (1966), protection of investments (1998) and [[double taxation]] (2002). Iran is one of Switzerland's most important trading partners in the Middle East. Swiss-Iranian economic treaties already exist for investment protection, double taxation and aviation.<ref name="swissinfo.ch">{{cite web|url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-iran-business_swiss-brands-advised-to-risk-iranian-market/41638880|title=Swiss brands advised to risk Iranian market|author1=John Heilprin|author2= swissinfo.ch|work=SWI swissinfo.ch|access-date=May 18, 2016}}</ref> A [[trade agreement]] was signed in 2005 but has not yet been ratified.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} In 2010, the volume of trade with Iran was about 741 million [[Swiss francs]]; Switzerland exported goods for about 700 million francs, and it has imported goods to 41&nbsp;million Swiss francs. The main goods exported by Switzerland are pharmaceutical products, machinery and agricultural products.<ref name="admin">{{Cite web |url=http://www.admin.ch/aktuell/00089/index.html?lang=fr&msg-id=37283 |title=Admin.ch - Iran: Le Conseil fédéral veut la sécurité juridique et entend prévenir les contournements |access-date=March 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011124225/http://www.admin.ch/aktuell/00089/index.html?lang=fr&msg-id=37283 |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Switzerland exports to Iran totaled nearly US$1.9 billion in the ten-month period ending on January 31, 2014.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} In 2017, Iran continued to import a significant amount of Swiss goods and services worth US$2.18 billion (4.3% of total imports) while Iranian exports to Switzerland only accounted for US$12 million during the same time period. According to national statistics, both exports from the EU and Switzerland to Iran dropped sharply after 2017, including those for pharmaceutical products.<ref>[https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/IRN/Year/2017/TradeFlow/Import/Partner/all/Product/Total Iran Imports By Country]. WITS (World Integrated Trade Solutions). ''wits.worldbank.org''. Retrieved 12 October 2020.</ref> In early 2020, Geneva-based bank [[Bank of Credit and Commerce International|BCP]] and a large Swiss drugmaker were participating in the initial pilot shipment of [[essential medicine]]s worth 2.3 million euros ($2.55 million).<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-iran/cancer-transplant-drugs-open-swiss-humanitarian-channel-to-iran-idUSKBN1ZT205 "U.S. says first shipments of medicine to Iran delivered via Swiss humanitarian channel"]. ''Reuters World News''. Retrieved 2 February 2020.</ref> In July 2020, the [[Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research|State Secretariat for Economic Affairs]] (SECO) announced that the first transaction under the humanitarian trade agreement had been completed. In October 2020, the Trump administration further expanded U.S. sanctions to all Iranian financial institutions, thereby complicating additional exports under the agreement.<ref>Lee M. (Oct. 2020), [https://apnews.com/article/europe-iran-archive-509205fc4f0d93a5a72bc6e812cfde51 "US hits all of Iran’s financial sector with sanctions"]. ''AP News''. Retrieved 12 October 2020.</ref> In 2021, the Iran-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce noted an uptick in the trade between the two countries despite challenging banking operations. [[Islamic Republic News Agency|IRNA]] reported an increase of imports from Switzerland to 672,000 tons ($539 million) during the first four months of 2021, mostly in form of medical products and organic [[Muesli|cereal]]. In 2021, Switzerland has become the fifth largest exporter to Iran, after the [[UAE]], [[China]], [[Turkey]] and the [[European Union]].<ref>[https://financialtribune.com/articles/domestic-economy/109762/irans-trade-ties-with-switzerland-flourishing-under-sanctions "Iran's Trade Ties With Switzerland Flourishing Under Sanctions".] ''Financial Tribune''. Retrieved 9 September 2021.</ref>
===2007 gas contract===
{{See also|Persian Pipeline}}
In the year 2007, Iran and Switzerland signed a major 25-year gas contract to export over 5&nbsp;billion cubic meters of gas per year from the [[Persian Gulf]] reportedly valued at 18&nbsp;billion euros.<ref>[https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/107234.pdf Iran's Economy]. Fpc.state.gov, (PDF) Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref> Starting with 1.5&nbsp;billion cubic meters per year in 2010, to be increased to 4 bcm by 2012.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} This contract has been signed between the Switzerland's company of [[Elektrizitätsgesellschaft Laufenburg]] (EGL) and the [[National Iranian Oil Company|National Iranian Gas Export Company]] which will be started practically at the beginning of 2009.<ref>[http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=167664 US feels the heat after Iran-Switzerland $42b gas deal]. tehran times (May 3, 2008). Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20130115210141/http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news/social_affairs/United_States_seeks_copy_of_Iran_gas_contract.html?siteSect=204&sid=8912377&cKey=1206955208000&ty=nd Washington seeks copy of Iran gas contract with Switzerland]. Swissinfo.ch. Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref> There is some skepticism that Iran will not be able to supply gas to Switzerland for the foreseeable future because no pipeline connects Iran to Europe at present.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/107234.pdf |title=We're sorry, that page can't be found |access-date=June 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627081501/https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/107234.pdf |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> In February 2010, Iran announced it is ready for gas export to Switzerland.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
The deal was aimed at reducing [[Bern]]'s dependency on [[Russia in the European energy sector|Russian gas]].{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} In October 2010, EGL announced the unilateral suspension of the gas contract with Iran.<ref>[http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/3346ff30-4f43-11e0-8c91-860209a8f825/Quand_la_Suisse_joue_et_perd_en_Iran] {{dead link|date=January 2018}}</ref><ref>[http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2012/03/14/swiss-iranian-gas-deal-remains-suspended-due-to-sanctions-minister/] {{dead link|date=January 2018}}</ref>
===International sanctions===
{{see also|sanctions against Iran}}
Switzerland and Iran have greatly reduced their bilateral economic cooperation since the [[UN Security Council]] took up [[Iranian nuclear program|Iran's nuclear enrichment program]] in 2005.<ref name="trade"/> The [[Swiss government]] has been cooperating with the U.S. to freeze [[Swiss bank account|banking accounts]] and other financial assets belonging to individuals involved in the [[Iranian nuclear program]]; Switzerland has also committed to block the sale of dual-use items.<ref name="trade">[http://www.irantracker.org/foreign-relations/switzerland-iran-foreign-relations Switzerland – Iran Foreign Relations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027034142/http://www.irantracker.org/foreign-relations/switzerland-iran-foreign-relations |date=October 27, 2014 }}. IranTracker (July 18, 2010). Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref> [[Vitol]] and [[Glencore]], 2 Swiss-based firms, were also major [[National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company#Fuel imports|re-sellers of gasoline to Iran]] until recently but have since stopped trading with the country.<ref>Kittrie, Orde F. (November 13, 2008) [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122654026060023113?mod=googlenews_wsj How to Put the Squeeze on Iran – WSJ.com]. Online.wsj.com. Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/feedarticle/8482597 Iran's May gasoline imports up 37 pct on yr | Business | guardian.co.uk]. Guardian. Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref> In January and December 2011, Switzerland expanded its unilateral sanctions against Iran.<ref name="admin" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranfocus.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8682:la-suisse-elargit-ses-sanctions-contre-liran-suivant-ses-partenaires&catid=6:nuclre&Itemid=38|title=Iran Focus – Iran Focus|website=Iranfocus.com|date=September 19, 2006|access-date=May 18, 2016|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205653/http://www.iranfocus.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8682:la-suisse-elargit-ses-sanctions-contre-liran-suivant-ses-partenaires&catid=6:nuclre&Itemid=38|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Swiss Federal Council]] said in a statement in January 2014 that it had suspended part of its economic sanctions against Iran in accordance with the [[Geneva interim agreement on Iranian nuclear program|Geneva nuclear accords]] between Tehran and the six world powers but the trade barriers are still officially in place.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} Based on a statement by Swiss President [[Didier Burkhalter]] at the 9th [[World Economic Forum]], it will be a step by step process and the official removal of all trade sanctions will depend on the final agreement about Iran's nuclear program.<ref>[http://www.srf.ch/news/wirtschaft/wef-2014 SRF Tagesschau vom 24. Jan. 2014.] WEF 2014 Wirtschaft. Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen.</ref> The adoption of the [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]] (JCPOA) took place in the Swiss city of [[Geneva]] and the general framework of the current agreement was concluded on April 2, 2015 in [[Lausanne]].<ref name="thebusinessyear.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.thebusinessyear.com/iran-2016/partners-in-time/guest-speaker|title=Partners In Time|website=The Business Year|access-date=January 11, 2018|archive-date=January 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111224205/https://www.thebusinessyear.com/iran-2016/partners-in-time/guest-speaker|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, following the implementation of the JCPOA with [[P5+1]], Switzerland lifted all unilateral [[sanctions against Iran]] pertaining to its nuclear program and [[Johann Schneider-Ammann]] became the first ever Swiss president to visit Iran.<ref name="swissinfo.ch"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rts.ch/info/suisse/7419281-la-suisse-leve-ses-sanctions-contre-l-iran-suite-a-l-accord-sur-le-nucleaire.html|title=La Suisse lève ses sanctions contre l'Iran suite à l'accord sur le nucléaire|work=rts.ch|date=January 17, 2016|access-date=May 18, 2016}}</ref><ref name="thebusinessyear.com"/>
After the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] unilaterally canceled the [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]] (JCPOA), economic sanctions were reimposed in 2018, and further tightened in late 2019 by designating the [[Central Bank of Iran]] (CBI) under U.S. counterterrorism authorities, as well as imposing restrictions on cargo shipping from and to Iran. Swiss food and pharmaceutical companies have continued to do business with Iran, but due to the strict financial sanctions, even payments for exempt goods were difficult to process by Iranian and Swiss banks.<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2019/08/24/753446099/iran-under-sanctions-a-scramble-for-cancer-care-and-blame-to-go-around "Iran Under Sanctions: A Scramble For Cancer Care And Blame To Go Around"] ''NPR News''. Retrieved 11 December 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-iran-usa-exclusive/exclusive-swiss-humanitarian-channel-to-iran-seen-within-months-swiss-u-s-officials-idUSKBN1YF23E "Exclusive: Swiss humanitarian channel to Iran seen within months - Swiss, U.S. officials"] ''Reuters World News''. Retrieved 11 December 2019.</ref>
In November 2022, Switzerland adopted additional EU sanctions against [[Shahed Aviation Industries]], the manufacturer of the [[List of Shahed drones|Shahed drones]], used by Russia in its war against Ukraine, as well as three senior Iranian military officers. But Switzerland did not impose additional EU sanctions following the death of [[Mahsa Amini]] as the 'diplomatic approach' was given priority. Switzerland holds several protecting power mandates carried out on behalf of Iran.<ref>[https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-adopts-latest-eu-drone-sanctions-over-ukraine-war/48022402 "Swiss adopt latest EU drone sanctions over Ukraine war"] ''swissinfo.ch''. Retrieved 13 November 2022.</ref>
====Humanitarian channel====
In late January 2020, the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA) with Iran was implemented, assuring export guarantees through Swiss financial institutions for shipments of food and medical products to the Islamic republic.
On 15 June 2021, Swiss Foreign Minister [[Ignazio Cassis]] and US president [[Joe Biden]] said during a press interview in [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]], they would both support more payments through the rarely used Swiss-Iranian humanitarian channel.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/world/swiss-hail-constructive-us-approach-iran-after-biden-talks-2021-06-15/ "Swiss hail constructive U.S. approach to Iran after Biden talks"] ''Reuters''. Retrieved 22 June 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/world/swiss-hail-constructive-us-approach-iran-after-biden-talks-2021-06-15/ "Iran says US approved its funds transfer to buy COVID vaccines"] ''AlJazeera''. Retrieved 22 June 2021.</ref>
==See also==
*[[Foreign relations of Iran]]
*[[Foreign relations of Switzerland]]
*[[Johann Rudolf Stadler]]
*[[Naftiran Intertrade]]
*[[Pizza Connection Trial]]
*[[EU-Iran Forum]]
*[[Swiss Iranian Investment Forum]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{commons category-inline}}
*[https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/representations-and-travel-advice/iran/switzerland-iran.html Bilateral relations Switzerland-Iran] Swiss federal administration
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20141027034142/http://www.irantracker.org/foreign-relations/switzerland-iran-foreign-relations Iran–Switzerland relations] – [[American Enterprise Institute]]
*[http://www.iransuisse.com Iran-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce]
{{Foreign relations of Switzerland}}
{{Foreign relations of Iran}}
{{Portal bar|Iran|Switzerland|Politics}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Iran-Switzerland Relations}}
[[Category:Iran–Switzerland relations| ]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of Iran|Switzerland]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of Switzerland]]