Swiss close Tehran embassy, but maintain open line between US, Iran

March 11 (Reuters) - Switzerland is temporarily closing its embassy in Tehran due to the war in the Middle East and increasing security risks, the foreign office said on Wednesday.

The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land and are safely outside the country, it added. "They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows."

Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries, the statement said.

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when Washington and Tehran cut ties, Switzerland has had a mandate of a neutral "protecting power" representing U.S. diplomatic interests in Iran.