Switzerland stops weapons exports to the U.S. and restricts airspace amid the Iran war, emphasizing neutrality.
Switzerland's government stated on March 20, 2026, that it will not issue licenses for companies to export weapons to the United States because of the ongoing international armed conflict involving Iran. This decision aligns with Switzerland's longstanding principle of neutrality, as outlined in its federal act on war materiel.
Background on the Conflict
The halt in exports comes as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran approaches its three-week mark, which began on February 28, 2026. This conflict has deepened humanitarian crises in the Middle East and driven up global energy prices, according to the Swiss government's statement.
In addition to stopping weapons exports, Switzerland has closed its airspace to U.S. military flights directly related to the Iran war. Last weekend, the government rejected two U.S. flyover requests for such flights while approving three others, all in adherence to its neutrality laws.
Switzerland's 1996 federal act requires export licenses for war materiel to be based on human rights and neutrality principles. Since the Iran war started, no new export licenses have been issued to the U.S., and existing ones will undergo regular reviews by an expert group.
The government also noted that no definitive licenses for exports of war materiel to Israel have been granted for several years, and the same policy applies to Iran. In 2023, the U.S. was the second-largest importer of Swiss arms, with sales worth $119 million.
Historically, Switzerland has taken similar actions in past conflicts, such as blocking allied nations from sending Swiss-made equipment to Ukraine during Russia's invasion in 2022 and imposing bans on flights and exports related to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, which were later lifted.
Furthermore, exports of dual-use and specific military goods to the U.S. will be regularly reviewed, with a restrictive approach already in place for Israel. This move underscores Switzerland's commitment to its neutrality amid escalating global tensions.
