Switzerland Halts Arms Exports to US Over Attacks on Iran, Citing Neutrality

Switzerland has formally suspended new approvals for arms exports to the United States in response to the ongoing US-Israeli war on 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 USA cannot currently be authorised' due to Washington's involvement in an 'international armed conflict' with Iran.

Al Jazeera

This decision formalises a position that has been in practice since the beginning of the war on February 28, during which 'no new licences have been issued for exports of war materiel to the US'.

The move represents a significant policy shift that directly impacts Switzerland's arms trade with the United States, which amounts to nearly €100 million worth of war material exported annually.

This decision maintains the country's commitment to neutrality during international conflicts.

The Swiss government grounded its decision in strict legal frameworks, particularly the War Materiel Act of 1996 and the country's neutrality principles.

According to official statements, the exclusion grounds under Article 22a para. 2 let. a of the War Materiel Act are met because 'the USA is involved in an international armed conflict'.

Al-Jazeera Net

A Swiss federal act approved in 1996 stipulates that the import, export and transit of war materiel require export licences based on the principles of human rights and neutrality.

The government emphasized that this is not a blanket ban, as existing licences determined to be 'of no relevance to the war at present' can continue to be used.

All new military exports are subject to the neutrality restrictions during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Under the new policy, Switzerland established an interministerial expert group to regularly review developments in arms exports and assess compliance with neutrality laws.

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The government explained that this expert review will cover goods covered by the Goods Control Act, certain dual-use items, and non-controlled goods affected by sanctions on Iran.

Swiss officials noted that while the restriction applies primarily to the United States due to its direct involvement in the conflict, similar limitations have long been in place for Israel and Iran.

The government stated that 'no definitive licences for exports of war materiel to Israel have been granted for several years' and the same policy applies to Iran.

This review mechanism ensures the policy remains flexible and responsive to changing circumstances while maintaining Switzerland's commitment to neutrality principles.

Switzerland's decision follows a pattern of similar actions taken during previous international conflicts, most notably the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.

During the Iraq war, 'Switzerland imposed bans on flights over Swiss airspace and weapons exports to countries involved in the war. It later lifted them.'

Centre Presse Aveyron

This historical context suggests that Switzerland's current restrictions may be temporary and subject to review based on the evolving situation in the Middle East.

The government also announced related airspace restrictions, having 'rejected two US flyover requests on Iran-related war flights but permitted three others' last weekend.

This demonstrates a nuanced approach to neutrality that balances restrictions with continued cooperation in certain areas.

The broader implications of Switzerland's neutrality policy extension include significant economic consequences for the Swiss arms industry.

“As a neutral country, Switzerland nonetheless imports billions of dollars' worth of American weapons, including Patriot missiles or F-35 fighter jets, according to RTS”

Centre Presse Aveyron

Switzerland maintains strict neutrality rules that prevent it from supplying arms to countries actively engaged in armed conflicts.

Devdiscourse

Swiss authorities confirmed that the restriction applies directly to the United States due to its role in the war, effectively halting ongoing and future export approvals.

This policy decision demonstrates Switzerland's willingness to uphold neutrality even in matters of arms trade with countries involved in conflicts.

This may influence other neutral nations to reassess their own arms export policies during the ongoing Middle East hostilities.