Swiss worry about humanitarian impact of US Iran sanctions
Switzerland worries that there may be humanitarian consequences beyond the economic impact of sanctions on Iran.
Keystone
Switzerland has asked the United States to ensure the flow of humanitarian goods to Iran following the re-introduction of economic sanctions on the Middle Eastern country.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
العربية
ar
قلق سويسري بشأن الأثر الإنساني للعقوبات الأمريكية ضد إيران
The Trump administration is warning countries not to do business with more than 700 individuals and entities on the sanctions list, which includes banks, oil exporters and shipping companies. The US says the embargo will continue until Iran stops its nuclear programme.
But Switzerland wants the US to allow a “humanitarian payment channel” for food and pharmaceuticals products to go to Iran.
“Switzerland is committed to safeguarding Swiss economic interests and is closely following the development of the situation. The authorities are in direct contact with the relevant authorities of the United States, the EU and Iran,” the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) told Reuters in an emailed statement on Monday.
“Particularly in the humanitarian field, the federal government is committed to ensuring that food and pharmaceutical products can continue to be supplied from Switzerland,” it added.
Displeasure voiced
SECO said it was in was in touch with the US authorities, Iran and unnamed Swiss companies on developing a humanitarian payment channel to achieve this end.
Earlier this year, President Trump tore up a nuclear accord brokered between the US and Iran in 2015. Economic sanctions were re-imposed in August and have recently been stepped up.
The new round of US sanctions has not been completely endorsed by other countries, including the European Union. Several Swiss politicians have voiced their displeasure at the US move.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss oddities
Mennonite movement turns 500 in Zurich, where it all began
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Swiss want to better protect military airfields from spying
This content was published on
Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister says he wants to better protect Swiss military airfields against espionage activities.
Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
This content was published on
A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.
More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative
This content was published on
A total of 257 companies from Switzerland have signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). In doing so, they are committing to CO2 reduction targets that are compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Swiss accident prevention group sees federal targets at risk
This content was published on
The Swiss government's target for accident figures is at risk, reckons Mario Cavegn, member of the executive board of the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.
Feminicide: Swiss justice minister calls for electronic monitoring
This content was published on
Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans has called for electronic monitoring and an ankle bracelet warning system for perpetrators of violence against women.
This content was published on
American artist Chaka Khan ‘and friends’ opened the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival on Friday. For over three hours, their show, dedicated to their friend and mentor Quincy Jones, thrilled the audience,
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss expect limited impact from US-Iran sanctions
This content was published on
The re-introduction of economic sanctions against Iran by the Washington is unlikely to have a big impact on Swiss businesses.
Bern recommends firms pursue Iran ties despite US sanctions
This content was published on
The Swiss government recommends Swiss firms pursue their business relations with the Islamic Republic on an informed basis.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.