Switzerland has decided to halt the export of weapons to the United States due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The government said the move is based on the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality.
Officials confirmed that no new licences for the export of war materiel to the US have been issued since the escalation of hostilities on February 28. Authorities stressed that exports to countries involved in the conflict cannot be approved during active fighting.
The Swiss government also revealed that it had recently rejected some US requests for military flight access over its airspace linked to the conflict. However, a limited number of requests were allowed under specific conditions.
Switzerland has taken similar steps in the past. During earlier international conflicts, including the Iraq war in 2003, it imposed restrictions on arms exports and airspace usage before later lifting them.
Officials noted that arms exports to Israel have already been restricted for several years, with no new licences granted.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO allies for not backing Washington in its ongoing conflict involving Iran. He described the alliance as weak without American leadership.
In a social media post, Trump called NATO partners “cowards” and claimed the alliance would be ineffective without the United States. He expressed frustration over their reluctance to join military efforts.
The US president urged allied nations to help secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The key waterway remains under pressure amid rising tensions. Disruptions there have pushed global oil prices higher and unsettled markets worldwide.
