GENEVA

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on Friday voiced "deep concern" over the latest military escalation between Israel and Iran, warning that further hostilities would only worsen instability in the region.

Speaking to reporters in Bern following a Federal Council session, Cassis said Switzerland "condemns any use of force in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law." He emphasized that "a renewed intensification of hostilities only aggravates regional instability.”

Israel launched airstrikes early Friday targeting Iran's military and nuclear facilities, and killing several of its top military commanders and scientists.

"Switzerland calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from any actions that could fuel tensions," Cassis said. "It is urgent to return to the path of dialogue. Escalation serves no one’s interests and the consequences of a broader conflict would be devastating."

Reiterating Switzerland's longstanding commitment to peace and diplomacy, Cassis said Middle East stability "must remain a priority" and urged all actors to engage constructively through existing diplomatic channels to de-escalate the crisis.

Switzerland is closely monitoring developments and remains in close contact with its international partners, he added. "We reaffirm the importance of strict adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians under all circumstances."

Cassis also confirmed that the staff of the Swiss embassies in Israel and Iran are safe and maintaining contact with the Swiss communities there. Currently, about 200 Swiss nationals are in Iran and around 29,000 in Israel, according to the Foreign Ministry.