In an exclusive interview with SWI swissinfo.ch, Iranian Ambassador to Switzerland Mahmoud Barimani addresses Switzerland’s role as a mediator amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Since 1980, during the hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran, Switzerland has represented American interests in Iran, facilitating diplomatic and consular relations. Switzerland also represents Iranian interests in Egypt and Canada, and until recently, in Saudi Arabia. However, recent rapprochements between rival nations, mediated by regional players such as Oman, Qatar and China, has caused Switzerland’s role as an intermediary to fade. Tensions between Iran and Israel have worsened, particularly following Iran’s strikes on Israel on April 13 in response to attacks on its embassy compound in Syria on April 1. Amid these developments, Iranian Ambassador to Switzerland, Mahmoud Barimani, provides insights into the significance of Switzerland’s role as a mediator, and the situation in the ...
