The classified cable of July 1, 2009, obtained by WikiLeaks, cites a senior US diplomat in Bern as saying the Swiss government would stop Swedish-owned engineering company Colenco's involvement with an Iranian research reactor.

It recounts a meeting between former Economy Minister Doris Leuthard and US charge d'affaires Leigh Carter, at which Leuthard allegedly said her government had decided in a special session to order Swiss-based Colenco to suspend its activities in Iran.

She also raised the possibility of taking in freed Guantanamo detainees to show Switzerland's commitment to resolving bilateral issues, including the tax case against UBS AG, according to the cable published by Norway's Aftenposten paper.

The cable notes that Leuthard asked the United States to provide more details on prisoners the US wanted to release from the Guantanamo detention center and resettle in third countries such as Switzerland.

She said these two actions were “elements showing that Switzerland is committed to resolving all issues between our countries” including the UBS case, according to the cable.

Leuthard, who now oversees the environment and transport ministry, issued a statement Thursday denying she had made any “direct link” between the two actions and the UBS case.

“During regular contacts between Switzerland and the United States these subjects were naturally discussed,” said Leuthard. “It is normal for Switzerland to defend its interests during such meetings.” But she added that Switzerland also makes clear “what it expects of its interlocutor.” Switzerland has since taken in three former Guantanmo detainees.

Colenco said in a statement Thursday that it agreed to a Swiss government demand in 2009 to stop its engagement in Iran.

The UBS case was resolved last year after the bank paid a $780 million fine and gave US authorities thousands of secret bank files. It had been accused of helping rich Americans avoid paying taxes by setting up secret offshore accounts for them.