Ana Sayfa›Dünya›Switzerland halts arms exports to US ove…
🌍 Dünya
Switzerland halts arms exports to US over Iran war, citing neutrality
Middle East Eye·🕐 4 sa önce·👁 0 görüntülenme
Switzerland halts arms exports to US over Iran war, citing neutrality MEE staff on Fri, 03/20/2026 - 15:16 Bern says new exports of military equipment to the Trump administration 'cannot currently be authorised', while existing licences remain under review European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Brussels on 2 March 2026 (Nicolas Tucat/AFP) Off Switzerland has moved to suspend new approvals for arms exports to the United States amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, citing its long-standing policy of neutrality and legal restrictions under domestic export controls. In a statement on Friday, the Swiss government said "exports of war materiel to the US cannot currently be authorised", pointing to Washington’s involvement in an "international armed conflict" in the Middle East. It added 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". The decision formalises a position already in practice. Swiss authorities noted that since the beginning of the war on 28 February, "no new licences have been issued for exports of war materiel to the US". The measure applies specifically to new orders for arms and ammunition, effectively pausing fresh approvals while the conflict continues. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); At the same time, Bern has stopped short of a blanket ban. "Existing licences have been determined to be of no relevance to the war at present and can therefore continue to be used," the government said. However, it explained that an interministerial group of experts would "regularly review developments in exports of the goods in question to the US and assess whether any action is required under neutrality law". That review will extend beyond traditional arms exports. Swiss officials said goods covered by the Goods Control Act, as well as certain dual-use items and non-controlled goods affected by sanctions on Iran, would also be examined for their compatibility with neutrality. The move follows earlier restrictions linked to the conflict, including limits on US military flights through Swiss airspace. Authorities have indicated that flights exceeding normal levels will be denied unless clearly unrelated to the war. The US is a significant market for Swiss defence exports. According to government data, it was the second-largest recipient last year, accounting for roughly 10 percent of shipments, including aerial vehicles, ammunition and small arms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No arms to Ukraine Switzerland’s neutrality framework has also shaped its position on Ukraine. Bern has declined requests from partner countries to pass on Swiss-made weapons to Kyiv, as re-exports are restricted under its arms export rules. The stance has frustrated some European allies and raised concerns within Switzerland’s defence industry, with companies warning they could lose access to key supply chains as demand for military equipment rises across Europe. In December, lawmakers backed proposals to relax the rules for a defined group of 25 countries, including the US, even if they are involved in conflicts. However, the changes have not yet taken effect and could still be subject to a public referendum. War on Iran News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0
Switzerland has moved to suspend new approvals for arms exports to the United States amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, citing its long-standing policy of neutrality and legal restrictions under domestic export controls.In a statement on Friday, the Swiss government said "exports of war materiel to the US cannot currently be authorised", pointing to Washington’s involvement in an "international armed conflict" in the Middle East.It added 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".The decision formalises a position already in practice. Swiss authorities noted that since the beginning of the war on 28 February, "no new licences have been issued for exports of war materiel to the US".The measure applies specifically to new orders for arms and ammunition, effectively pausing fresh approvals while the conflict continues.At the same time, Bern has stopped short of a blanket ban. "Existing licences have been determined to be of no relevance to the war at present and can therefore continue to be used," the government said.However, it explained that an interministerial group of experts would "regularly review developments in exports of the goods in question to the US and assess whether any action is required under neutrality law".That review will extend beyond traditional arms exports. Swiss officials said goods covered by the Goods Control Act, as well as certain dual-use items and non-controlled goods affected by sanctions on Iran, would also be examined for their compatibility with neutrality.The move follows earlier restrictions linked to the conflict, including limits on US military flights through Swiss airspace. Authorities have indicated that flights exceeding normal levels will be denied unless clearly unrelated to the war.The US is a significant market for Swiss defence exports. According to government data, it was the second-largest recipient last year, accounting for roughly 10 percent of shipments, including aerial vehicles, ammunition and small arms.Switzerland’s neutrality framework has also shaped its position on Ukraine.Bern has declined requests from partner countries to pass on Swiss-made weapons to Kyiv, as re-exports are restricted under its arms export rules.The stance has frustrated some European allies and raised concerns within Switzerland’s defence industry, with companies warning they could lose access to key supply chains as demand for military equipment rises across Europe.In December, lawmakers backed proposals to relax the rules for a defined group of 25 countries, including the US, even if they are involved in conflicts. However, the changes have not yet taken effect and could still be subject to a public referendum.
