Swiss will not export war equipment to US during Mideast war
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- Switzerland suspends weapons export licenses to the United States citing neutrality law.
- Decision follows ongoing US and ‘Israel’ strikes on Iran since February 28.
Switzerland said Friday it will halt approvals for weapons exports to the United States as the war with Iran intensifies, invoking its long-standing policy of neutrality.
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The government said in a statement that “the export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict.” It added that exports to the US “cannot currently be authorised.”
Neutrality policy enforced
The move comes amid continued military operations by the US and ‘Israel’ against Iran, which began on February 28. Swiss authorities confirmed that no new export licenses for war materiel to the United States have been issued since the start of the strikes.
Switzerland has historically enforced strict neutrality rules during international conflicts. Following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Bern imposed similar restrictions on weapons exports and airspace access before later lifting them.
Airspace restrictions revisited
Last weekend, Switzerland also reviewed US military flight requests linked to the Iran war. Officials rejected two flyover requests while approving three others, citing case-by-case assessments under neutrality law.
Read more: Trump says 'we're talking' to Iran but it's not 'ready' for deal to end war
The latest measures signal a tightening stance as the war escalates, with Switzerland seeking to avoid indirect involvement.
No exports to ‘Israel’
The government noted that no definitive licenses for weapons exports to ‘Israel’ have been granted for several years, reinforcing its restrictive posture toward conflict zones.
Ongoing review
Swiss authorities said a panel of experts will continue to monitor developments and assess whether further steps are needed under neutrality regulations.
The decision underscores growing international caution as the war expands, with neutral states reassessing their legal and political positions.
