Switzerland Halts Arms Exports to United States Over Iran War

Switzerland has formally suspended new approvals for arms exports to the United States amid the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

“Switzerland has said it will not issue licences for companies to export weapons to the United States due to the ongoing war on Iran, citing the country’s longstanding principle of neutrality”

Al Jazeera

The Swiss government announced on Friday that 'exports of war materiel to the US cannot currently be authorised', citing Washington's involvement in an 'international armed conflict' in the Middle East.

Al Jazeera

This decision formalizes a position already in practice, as Swiss authorities confirmed that no new licenses have been issued for arms exports to the US since the escalation of hostilities on February 28.

The measure specifically applies to new orders for arms and ammunition, effectively pausing fresh approvals while the conflict continues.

Existing licenses deemed 'of no relevance to the war at present' can still be used, according to the Swiss government statement.

The Swiss government emphasized that its neutrality laws prevent supplying arms to countries actively engaged in armed conflicts.

According to official statements, the export of war materiel to countries involved in international armed conflict with Iran 'cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict'.

Al-Jazeera Net

This directly targets the United States due to its role in the war, reflecting Switzerland's strict neutrality rules.

Switzerland has previously applied similar policies during conflicts, including the 2003 Iraq invasion when it restricted flights and arms exports.

The government noted that Israel has not received definitive arms export licenses for years, showing consistent restrictive approach.

The Swiss decision carries significant economic implications, as the United States was the second-largest importer of Swiss arms.

“Continue without accepting →”

Boursier

Previous trade transactions between Switzerland and the US arms sector were worth approximately $119 million (94.2 million francs).

This substantial trade relationship makes the current suspension particularly noteworthy in economic terms.

The Swiss government clarified that existing contracts and licenses not deemed relevant to the ongoing conflict can continue uninterrupted.

An interministerial group of experts will regularly review export developments to ensure compliance with neutrality laws.

The Swiss government has demonstrated its commitment to neutrality through multiple actions beyond arms export restrictions.

Last weekend, Swiss authorities rejected two American overflight requests for reconnaissance flights related to the Iran conflict.

Centre Presse Aveyron

At the same time, they approved three other flights including maintenance and transport aircraft operations.

This selective approach reflects Switzerland's nuanced neutrality policy - allowing some military activities while denying others that directly support combat.

The Swiss Federal Council emphasized that neutrality law applies to relations between the US, Israel and Iran amid ongoing attacks.

Switzerland's decision to halt arms exports represents a significant demonstration of its neutrality policy.

“War in Iran: Switzerland is a neutral country; it suspends its arms exports to the United States”

Centre Presse Aveyron

The move comes amid escalating Middle East conflict with heightened regional tensions.

Devdiscourse

Attacks on oil and gas facilities have disrupted energy supply and increased global oil market volatility.

The Strait of Hormuz has seen heightened military presence, raising concerns over international shipping safety.

Switzerland continues to serve as a neutral protecting power representing American diplomatic interests in Iran since 1979.