Switzerland has halted the approval of licences for weapons exports to the United States due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, citing its policy of neutrality.
The Swiss government announced the decision on Friday. It said the measure would remain in place for the duration of the war.
“The export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict,” the government said.
“Exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised,” it added.
The development comes as the US-Israel war on Iran approaches its third week. The conflict has worsened the humanitarian situation across the Middle East and pushed global energy prices higher.
Swiss authorities have also shut their airspace to US military flights connected to the war. Last weekend, officials rejected two requests from the US for overflight linked to Iran operations, although three others were approved.
Switzerland’s neutrality law guides decisions on arms transfers. A federal act adopted in 1996 requires export licences for military equipment. The law is based on respect for human rights and the country’s neutral stance.
Since the war began on February 28, Switzerland said it has not issued any new export licences to the United States.
The government noted that it has not granted definitive licences for arms exports to Israel for several years. The same position applies to Iran.
Existing licences issued to the US will now undergo periodic review by a panel of experts. The group will assess whether further action is needed under neutrality rules.
Officials also confirmed that exports of dual-use goods and certain military items will face regular checks.
“A restrictive approach is already in place with regard to Israel,” the government said.
Data from Swiss authorities show that the United States was the second-largest buyer of Swiss arms last year. The total value of exports stood at $119 million.
Switzerland has taken similar steps in the past. It blocked the transfer of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2022. It also imposed restrictions on flights and arms exports during the US-led Iraq war in 2003, although those measures were later lifted.
