Switzerland’s Defence Minister, Martin Pfister, has said that recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel violate international law.
Pfister made the statement in an interview published on Sunday by the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung.
He explained that the country’s governing body, the Federal Council, believes the strikes carried out against Iran go against international legal rules.
According to him, Switzerland’s government considers the attacks a breach of international law that prohibits countries from using force against one another.
“Our government believes the attack on Iran violates international law,” Pfister said.
He added that the action conflicts with rules that prohibit the use of force between states.
The Swiss defence minister also called on all sides involved in the conflict to stop fighting in order to protect civilians.
Pfister explained that his comments apply to any country that breaks the rule against the use of force, including the United States and Israel.
He said the two countries carried out airstrikes on Iran and that, in doing so, they also violated international law, similar to the accusations already being made against Iran.
His remarks are similar to concerns raised by Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil. Klingbeil said he has serious doubts about whether the attacks are legally justified under international law.
He also warned that the world could face a dangerous situation if international rules stop being respected.
“There is a risk that we could move into a world without rules,” Klingbeil said.
Meanwhile, Spain has also criticised the bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel, describing the strikes as reckless and contrary to international law.
