Politics Middle East escalation causes cross-party concern and criticism
The latest US attacks on Iran are causing concern among Swiss political parties across the political spectrum. Several party representatives believe that Switzerland now has a responsibility to use its foreign policy instruments to de-escalate the situation.
22.06.2025, 15:09
SDA
At the same time, several parties are warning against further destabilization of the Middle East and the global consequences of the conflict. Although the attacks could make the Iranian regime's nuclear armament more difficult, at the same time the risk of further destabilization is growing, the FDP wrote in a statement at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency.
The party also does not rule out indirect effects on Switzerland - for example on the energy supply, the security situation or economic stability. For the Greens, the recent attacks on Iran show how dangerous nuclear armament is for our security, as they also said when asked.
The GLP also spoke to Keystone-SDA of "great concern" in view of the escalation. The Center Party expressed a similar view, seeing Trump's actions as a dangerous departure from a world order based on international law. "President Trump's decision has too little support in the US, even among Republicans," party president Gerhard Pfister wrote to the Keystone-SDA news agency.
"I fear that this decision is likely to have a negative impact on Ukraine, where the US is not prepared to work with Europe to decisively counter Russia's claims to power," he continued. "These are not good developments for Switzerland."
Criticism of the USA also comes from SP Co-President Cédric Wermuth. On Platform X, he described the attacks as a breach of international law and the US constitution.
Switzerland should act
"The Federal Council must now take de-escalating action: bring all parties to the conflict to the table and consistently insist on compliance with international law," the Greens demand in their statement.
The FDP is also calling for Switzerland to consistently use its diplomatic channels and good offices to contribute to de-escalation, particularly in its role as a protecting power. It expressly supports the commitment of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), which is committed to dialog and stability in a challenging environment.
The GLP also emphasizes Switzerland's role as a mediator. According to the party, the aim must be to ensure the protection of the civilian population and to create diplomatic space for negotiations. No statement was available from the SVP by Sunday afternoon.
