Switzerland Halts US Arms Export Authorizations, Closes Airspace to US Military Flights Linked to Iran Campaign

Switzerland — which has historically served as a diplomatic intermediary between the US and Iran, hosting the US interests section — announced it is halting all pending US arms export authorizations under Swiss law and closing Swiss airspace to US military flights directly linked to the Iran campaign, citing its status as a permanently neutral state and obligations under international humanitarian law. Swiss Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter stated: 'Switzerland's neutrality is not passive. It requires us to take no actions that provide material military advantage to any belligerent power.' The Swiss Federal Council noted it had received a US request to allow military transport overflights, which was denied. Switzerland's break with the US is the most dramatic act by a European neutral since the war began and creates a precedent that could influence Austria, Ireland, and other European neutrals. Switzerland had previously signaled concern about the legality of the Minab school strike (Day 8) and the broader campaign's targeting of civilian infrastructure. The US State Department described the Swiss decision as 'deeply disappointing and contrary to the spirit of our longstanding relationship.' Switzerland still maintains its diplomatic mission in Tehran on behalf of US interests.