For almost 30 years, since the US and Iran broke off diplomatic relations, Switzerland has been representing Washington’s interests in Tehran, not just providing consular services to US citizens living in Iran but assuring a diplomatic channel of communication between the two countries.

Last week, for example, the Iranian authorities summoned the Swiss ambassador to protest at what they regarded as interventionist statements by the US on the country’s elections. The Tehran regime did not appreciate President Barack Obama’s conclusion that the recent upheavals showed that the Iranian people were not convinced by the legitimacy of the election.