Switzerland suspends arms exports to US amid Iran attacks, citing neutrality

Switzerland on Friday announced that it will halt exports of war materiel to the US due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, reaffirming its long-standing principle of neutrality, Anadolu reports.

In a statement, the Federal Council stated that the export of weapons to countries engaged in international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorized for the duration of the hostilities.

Existing licenses and exports of other goods will be monitored regularly by an interdepartmental expert group.

“Exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised. As the USA is involved in an international armed conflict, the exclusion grounds under Article 22a para. 2 let. a of the War Materiel Act are met,” the statement said.

It added that no new licenses for arms exports to the US have been issued since the escalation of the conflict on Feb. 28.

The statement also noted that Israel and Iran have not received definitive arms export licenses for years, while existing licenses not relevant to the conflict may continue.

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The expert group will review dual-use goods, military-related exports under the Goods Control Act, and items affected by Iran sanctions to ensure compliance with neutrality rules.

Switzerland, known for its strict neutrality policy, has taken a precautionary and restrictive approach regarding military exports to all states involved in the conflict.

Hostilities in the region have escalated since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing some 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

⁠Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while also disrupting global markets and aviation.

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