Top Iranian Diplomat to Visit Switzerland amid Tension with US

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi is to visit Switzerland, the protector of the US' interests in Iran, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Araqchi will officially visit Bern to attend the fourth round of political talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Swiss Confederation.

In this round of talks, the two sides will discuss bilateral cooperation, international and regional developments, the latest situation of the Irna nuclear deal, and legal and human rights issues.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been rising since President Donald Trump withdrew the US from a 2015 international nuclear deal and imposed unilateral economic sanctions against Iran, mainly targeting its energy dealings on the global market.

In early May, the Trump administration beefed up the US’ military presence in the Persian Gulf, citing alleged and unspecified threats posed by the Islamic Republic to American troops and interests.

The US’ recent deployment of an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles to the Middle East has raised fears that the Trump administration was contemplating military aggression against Iran.

Iran has insisted that it will not initiate any conflict, but will firmly defend the country against any act of aggression.

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