ISTANBUL 

Switzerland urged respect for international law and maximum restraint by all parties on Saturday as tensions escalate across the Middle East after US and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

"Switzerland is deeply alarmed by today’s strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran," the Foreign Ministry wrote on US social media platform X.

It urged for "full respect of international law," including the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law.

"We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure," the Ministry added.

Israel and the US have launched an attack against Iran early Saturday citing alleged threats posed by the "Iranian regime." Video statements were released by both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The attacks come as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.

Israel also initiated a 12-day war on Iran last June, with the US joining later and bombing three Iranian nuclear sites.