Mar 20 • 12:48 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

According to the principle of neutrality, Switzerland suspends arms exports to the US due to the war on Iran

Switzerland has suspended arms exports to the United States due to ongoing attacks on Iran, citing its commitment to neutrality.

Switzerland has officially announced that it will not grant licenses to companies looking to export arms to the United States, in light of the continuing military conflict involving Iran. The Swiss government emphasized that their neutral stance prohibits them from allowing military equipment to be exported to nations engaged in international armed conflict with Iran for the duration of said conflict. This decision underscores Switzerland's commitment to its historical policy of neutrality in foreign affairs.

In the announcement made on Friday, the Swiss government revealed that no new licenses for arms exports to the United States have been granted since the escalation of attacks began on February 28. The government's statement indicates a thorough consideration of neutrality principles in evaluating ongoing and future arms exports, which will now be subjected to review by a team of experts. Additionally, the government previously rejected American requests for air transit necessary for reconnaissance missions related to the conflict in Iran, further reinforcing its neutral position.

This development has significant implications for Swiss-American relations, particularly in the defense sector, as Switzerland's decision to halt arms exports may impact military collaborations or agreements between the two nations. The enforcement of neutrality not only reflects a strict adherence to Switzerland's constitutional principles but also positions the country as a consistent advocate for peace and non-participation in international conflicts.

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