Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister declared on Sunday that the United States and Israel violated international law with their airstrikes on Iran. In an interview published in the SonntagsZeitung newspaper, Pfister said, "The Americans and Israel have attacked Iran from the air. In doing so, they, like Iran, violated international law." He emphasized the Swiss Federal Council's view that the strikes breached the prohibition on violence and called for all parties to halt fighting to protect civilians.

Pfister's remarks mark a sharper Swiss critique as the conflict entered its ninth day. Switzerland's Foreign Ministry had expressed being "deeply alarmed" by the initial strikes on February 28, urging "maximum restraint" and "full respect of international law, including the UN Charter" and international humanitarian law. The ministry reiterated calls for de-escalation amid reports of strikes spreading to Gulf states and civilian casualties mounting.

The war began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched joint airstrikes under Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities like Natanz and Isfahan, military bases, air defenses, and leadership compounds. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, several IRGC commanders, and numerous officials, according to reports. President Trump described the actions as preemptive to end Iran's nuclear program and support regime change.

Iran responded with Operation True Promise IV, firing over 500 missiles and 2,000 drones at US bases, Israeli cities, and Gulf allies including Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting oil shipments, and proxies like Hezbollah escalated attacks from Lebanon. Israel invaded southern Lebanon in response.

As of Sunday morning, Israeli strikes hit oil storage facilities and refineries in Tehran, sending plumes of smoke over the capital, while Iranian forces targeted energy sites in the Gulf. Iranian state media reported at least 940 deaths from US-Israeli strikes, including civilians in residential areas, schools, and hospitals. Casualties in Israel and Gulf states total dozens, with over 11 killed in Israel and several in UAE and Kuwait.

The conflict has driven oil prices higher, halted Qatari LNG production, and prompted evacuations of thousands from the region. US costs exceeded $3.7 billion in the first days. Kurdish groups launched offensives inside Iran with reported US support, while Russia provided intelligence to Tehran.

International reactions vary. The UK, Germany, and France urged Iran to cease attacks and deployed forces to Cyprus. China and Russia condemned the strikes, while the UN highlighted sovereignty violations. Iran's interim leadership under Masoud Pezeshkian rejected surrender demands and paused some neighbor strikes but vowed continued resistance. Trump warned the war had just begun, with no timeline set.