Switzerland announced closing its airspace for US military flights amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, citing its tradition of neutrality in armed conflicts.
The development comes even as US President Donald Trump urged other countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, following Iran’s threat to retaliate Washington’s bombing of the Kharg Island.
The Switzerland government said two requests for US reconnaissance planes to cross over Switzerland were rejected on Sunday. However, the federal authority granted permission to three other flights, including two transport aircraft.
“The Swiss Federal Council has today decided on several requests for overflights by US military aircraft. Two requests linked to the war in Iran have been rejected, while one maintenance flight and two overflight requests for transport aircraft have been approved,” a government statement read.
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The country said that the country’s tradition of neutrality would be applicable in the ongoing war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
“Since February 28, 2026, heavy fighting has been taking place in the Middle East. A war is ongoing between the United States and Israel and Iran. Switzerland’s neutrality law applies in relation to these states. In this context, several overflight requests for US military and state aircraft have been submitted,” it added.
To be sure, Switzerland’s neutrality law maintains that the country would not participate in a war between states. It also mandates for non-participation in armed conflicts, non-membership in military alliances.
Also Read: ‘Iran completely decimated’: Trump says other countries ‘must take care’ of Hormuz
As the US-Iran war entered its third week, both sides have rejected peace talks and vowed to continue fighting. While, US President Trump said Iran was ‘completely decimated’ after Friday’s attack on Kharg Island, Tehran has vowed retaliation, warning the US to move industries out of the region.
Ever since the conflict began with the Israel and the United States attacks on Iran on February 28, the war has killed more than 2,000 people, mostly in Iran, and created the biggest-ever oil supply disruption, pushing up global prices.
