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yesterday

Switzerland Freezes New Arms Export Licences to U.S. During Iran Conflict

Bern cites neutrality laws to justify a pause on new U.S.-bound arms approvals.

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Image
A rectangular flag of Switzerland flies in the wind on a flagpole against the blue sky.
A member of ground crew moves munitions towards a USAF B1 B bomber at RAF Fairford airbase, used by USAF personnel, amid the U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran, in Fairford, Gloucestershire, Britain, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Phil Noble

Overview

  • The Federal Council announced on March 20 that no new licences for war materiel exports to the United States will be authorised for the duration of the conflict with Iran.
  • Authorities said no new U.S. licences have been issued since the Feb. 28 escalation, making the decision a formalisation of steps already in place.
  • Existing U.S. licences assessed as unrelated to the war can still be used for now, with an interministerial expert group set to review them and certain dual‑use or Goods Control Act items regularly.
  • Switzerland has applied airspace neutrality measures, rejecting two U.S. military flyover requests tied to the conflict while allowing three others.
  • Government data show the United States was the second‑largest destination for Swiss defence exports in 2025 at 94.2 million francs, roughly 10% of the total, so the freeze chiefly affects new approvals.