Switzerland races to aid stranded citizens as Gulf tensions surge
Switzerland has stepped up efforts to assist its citizens in the Gulf region as tensions escalate. The Swiss Embassy in Tehran closed for five days after explosions rocked the city, forcing staff to take shelter. Meanwhile, around 1,000 Swiss travellers remain stranded across the Middle East amid worsening conditions.
The situation in Iran has grown increasingly unstable, with power shortages expected to deteriorate further in the coming days. Ambassador Olivier Bangerter and his team were forced to seek refuge in the embassy basement due to nearby explosions. The building has since remained shut for five consecutive days.
Over 6,600 Swiss nationals currently live in the Gulf region, all registered on the Travel Admin app. Of these, roughly 5,200 expressed a desire to leave since early March 2026, though this figure does not reflect pre-conflict numbers. Another 1,000 Swiss travellers are still unable to depart the Middle East, facing logistical challenges.
In response, Switzerland is now assembling an aid package for those affected. The government is working closely with partner organisations to deliver support on the ground.
The Swiss government continues to monitor the crisis as conditions in Iran worsen. Aid efforts are underway to assist stranded citizens and residents in the Gulf. Officials have not yet confirmed when the Tehran embassy will reopen or when evacuations may resume.
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