America

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.

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran’s national football team should reconsider taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, citing concerns about the players’ safety.

Trump shared the view in a message posted on his Truth Social account on Thursday. He stated that the Iranian team would still be welcomed at the tournament. However, he said the present circumstances might make participation risky.

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you …,” Trump wrote.

The comment comes at a time of rising tension between the United States and Iran. The situation has raised concerns about security and diplomatic relations ahead of the global football competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 national teams.

Iran has already secured qualification for the competition. The team has been placed in a group with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Their matches are scheduled to be played in cities across the United States.

Trump’s statement appears to differ from earlier assurances he gave to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. At that time, he indicated that the Iranian team would be allowed to participate in the tournament.

Iranian officials have also expressed doubts about the country’s participation. The country’s sports minister said the team may not attend the competition under the current conditions. He argued that Iranian athletes might not be safe if they travel to the United States.

The situation has created uncertainty over Iran’s final decision on the tournament. It has also raised questions about how FIFA would respond if the country withdraws.

Trump also used the social media post to repeat his opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. He noted that the United States produces more oil than any other country and could benefit financially if oil prices increase.

“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” Trump said.

He added that financial gains were not his main concern as president.

“But, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World,” he added.

Trump ended the message with a firm warning.

“I won’t ever let that happen!” he said.

Meanwhile, tensions surrounding Iranian football players have also drawn attention in Australia. Authorities there recently relocated six members of Iran’s women’s national football team after they sought asylum in the country.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the emergency relocation while addressing parliament. He said the government acted after learning that one of the players had contacted the Iranian embassy and revealed the group’s location.

“Unfortunately, in making that decision, she’d been advised by her teammates and coach to contact the Iranian embassy and to get collected,” Burke said.

“I immediately gave the instruction for people to be moved,” he added.

The issue began after the players refused to sing Iran’s national anthem before a match. The action drew criticism from Iranian state media, which reportedly described the athletes as traitors. Human rights groups later raised concerns about the players’ safety, which led Australian authorities to arrange visas and protective accommodation for them.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shi’ites, held a demonstration on Friday at the National Mosque in Abuja to show support for Iran.

The protesters first joined other worshippers for the routine Friday prayers at the mosque. Shortly after the prayers ended, they began their demonstration within the mosque premises.

Witnesses said the group started chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they assembled in large numbers. The gathering quickly grew to about 200 participants.

During the protest, the demonstrators voiced strong criticism of the United States and Israel. They also declared their support for Iran. The crowd chanted “shame to America”, “shame to Israel”, and “we support Iran”.

Similar demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the country. Members of the group organised protests at Idimota Central Mosque in Lagos. Others took to the streets in Kaduna and Bauchi.

The protests come at a time of rising tension in the Middle East following a recent escalation in the conflict involving Iran.

Last week, Shi’ite supporters organised demonstrations in several Nigerian states after the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Reports said he was killed during recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Protests took place in Lagos, Kano, Niger state, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna. Demonstrators condemned the joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel. The strikes reportedly led to the death of Khamenei and some members of his family.

Authorities also recorded similar protests in Bauchi and Yobe states.

Many of the protesters waved Iranian flags and carried portraits of Khamenei. Some also displayed placards that criticised the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.