Switzerland blocked arms exports to the US because of the conflict with Iran and generated harsh criticism

The Swiss government announced this Friday that it will not issue new licenses for the export of weapons to the United States while the armed conflict linked to Iran, in a decision based on its traditional policy of neutrality.

In an official statement, the Swiss authorities said that “the export of war material to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorized for the duration of the conflict.” They also confirmed that since the attacks of February 28 by the United States and Israel against the terrorist regime in Iran, no new export licenses to U.S. territory have been approved

.

The measure is part of a series of recent actions taken by Bern under its neutrality legislation. Last weekend, the government rejected two overflight requests related to military operations toward Iran, although it allowed three others. Similar decisions were implemented during previous conflicts, such as the invasion of Iraq in 2003, when Switzerland also restricted arms exports and the use of its

airspace.

However, the decision has raised questions among international analysts and observers, who question both its practical impact and its political coherence. Given the size and capacity of the U.S. military industry, experts point out that suspending exports from Switzerland will have a limited effect on U.S. operations, suggesting that the move is mostly symbolic

.

Criticism has also been raised about the selective application of Swiss neutrality. The government itself acknowledged that it has not granted definitive licenses for arms exports to Israel for several years, reflecting a broader restrictive policy, but which some consider inconsistent

depending on the international context.

On an economic level, the decision could have consequences for the Swiss defense industry, which is part of global supply chains. Limiting exports to a strategic partner such as the United States could affect the competitiveness of local companies without providing clear benefits in diplomatic or security terms

.

The announcement comes in a context of growing geopolitical tensions, where Switzerland's traditional neutrality faces new challenges. Some experts warn that maintaining a strict stance could be interpreted as a distance from Western allies at a time of

high international complexity.