Arms Export Ban To The U.S.

In a major move following its principle of military neutrality, the Swiss Federal Council officially suspended all new arms export licenses to the United States yesterday. Under the Swiss War Materiel Act, exports are prohibited to countries involved in an international armed conflict. As the U.S. is currently engaged in hostilities with Iran, Switzerland determined that legal criteria for a ban have been met. In addition to the arms ban, Switzerland has closed its airspace to U.S. military flights directly linked to the conflict. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis noted that while the U.S. was notified, the decision is a "precautionary and restrictive" necessity to maintain Swiss neutrality.

©YovaniBernard