The military confrontation between Iran and a US–Israel-led alliance has entered its third week and impacted ten countries. Over 1,200 registered Swiss citizens remain in the Middle East region, yet no further repatriation flights are planned. Bern stresses personal responsibility, but criticism is mounting. Is it justified? The Gulf region – along with Israel – has borne the brunt of Iranian missile and drone attacks as the conflict widens. Airspace has been repeatedly closed around major hubs, including Doha in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Last Wednesday, Bahrain’s airport was rocked by explosions. Iran’s targeting of Gulf states reflects a strategic effort to impose economic costs on the United States and its regional allies. Swiss citizens in the Middle East have been able to leave, but often only with difficulty, luck and at considerable cost. After Switzerland organised one special flight and Edelweiss Air, a Swiss leisure airline, operated two from Oman …