The Swiss government has declared it will not issue new licenses for the export of war materiel to the United States, citing the country's longstanding principle of neutrality, which prohibits arms sales to states involved in the international armed conflict with Iran. In a statement, the government emphasized that "the export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict," highlighting a firm stance amid escalating tensions.

This announcement comes as the US-Israeli war on Iran approaches the three-week mark, deepening a humanitarian crisis across the wider Middle East and driving global energy prices higher. Switzerland had previously closed its airspace to US military flights directly linked to the Iran war, rejecting two flyover requests last weekend while permitting three others, all justified under its neutrality law. These moves underscore the regime's commitment to its policies, even as they potentially strain relations with key allies.

A Swiss federal act from 1996 mandates that the import, export, and transit of war materiel and related technology require export licenses based on human rights and neutrality principles. The government noted that no new export licenses have been issued to the US since the Iran war began on February 28. Existing US licenses will now undergo regular review by an expert group to assess if measures are needed under the neutrality law, with dual-use and specific military goods also subject to scrutiny.

The government also stated that no definitive licenses for exports of war materiel to Israel have been granted for several years, and the same applies to Iran. According to government data, the US was the second-largest importer of Swiss arms last year, with sales worth $119 million (94.2 million francs). Switzerland had previously blocked allied nations from sending Swiss-made equipment to Ukraine, which is fighting a Russian invasion that began in 2022, reflecting a consistent approach to neutrality in conflicts.

Following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Switzerland imposed bans on flights over its airspace and weapons exports to countries involved in the war but later lifted them. The current decision signals a strict enforcement of neutrality policy, which could impact global arms trade dynamics and add to the geopolitical friction in the region, as the US regime allegedly pursues its military objectives.

Source: www.aljazeera.com