Switzerland announced on Friday that it will not approve licences for the export of weapons to the United States as long as attacks on Iran persist, citing its policy of neutrality.
In an official statement, the Swiss government set out its reasoning in clear terms: "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 statement said. It went on to add that "exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised."
The government described the decision as an application of Switzerland's established neutrality policy, which prevents the supply of weapons to countries that are participating in armed conflicts. Under this ruling, authorisations for war materiel bound for the United States will be suspended while the conflict continues.
The measure is explicitly tied to the ongoing military situation involving Iran. The Swiss statement emphasised that the restriction is temporary in the sense that it is defined by the timeframe of the conflict: the ban will remain in effect for the duration of the conflict with Iran.
The announcement did not add further operational details about the mechanics of the suspension, such as the process for reviewing licence applications or the criteria for reinstating authorisations once the conflict ends. Nor did it specify any exceptions or carve-outs.
Switzerland framed the restriction as consistent with its long-standing legal and policy framework on neutral conduct in international affairs. The government presented the action as a firm application of that policy in response to the current hostilities involving Iran.
Summary
- Switzerland will not authorise weapons export licences to the United States while attacks on Iran continue.
- The government pointed to its neutrality policy as the basis for the decision.
- The ban will remain in place for the duration of the conflict with Iran, according to the government.
Full text of the government quotes cited
"The export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict,"
"exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised."