Trending Now - Switzerland Halts Weapons Exports to US, Citing Neutrality

WHO:

Switzerland's federal authorities

President Donald Trump

Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain

Countries involved: U.S., Israel, Iran, U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan

WHAT:

Switzerland announced it is halting the issuing of licenses for weapons exports to the U.S.

No new licenses for weapons exports to the U.S. have been issued since February 28th, 2026.

Switzerland has not issued export licenses for military equipment to Israel or Iran for years.

Switzerland denied flyover requests by two U.S. aircraft related to the war but allowed three other flights.

The Swiss government stated, “Exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised.”

WHERE:

Switzerland

Strait of Hormuz

WHEN:

Switzerland's announcement was made on Friday, March 20th, 2026.

The U.S. bombardments began on February 28th, 2026.

Switzerland previously barred flights over its airspace and weapons licenses to the U.S. during the Iraq invasion in 2003.

WHY:

Switzerland cited its principles of neutrality in the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.

The Swiss government stated that it cannot authorize the export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran.

HOW:

Switzerland prohibited its defense companies from making sales to the U.S. as part of its neutrality stance.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 19:19 UTC)

Today, Switzerland announced that it is halting the issuance of licenses for weapons exports to the U.S., citing its principles of neutrality in the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran. Since February 28, 2026, no new licenses for military equipment exports to the U.S. have been granted, and Switzerland has not issued such licenses to Israel or Iran for years. Additionally, the Swiss government denied flyover requests from two U.S. aircraft related to the war but did allow three other flights, reinforcing its stance on maintaining neutrality.