Switzerland has declined two requests from the United States for military aircraft to pass through its airspace in operations connected to the war involving Iran, citing the country’s longstanding policy of neutrality.
The Swiss government confirmed that the decision was taken in accordance with international law governing neutral states and their obligations during armed conflicts.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, Bern examined several requests from US military and official aircraft seeking clearance to cross Swiss territory. Two of those requests, linked directly to operations related to the conflict with Iran, were rejected. At the same time, three other flights were authorised because they were not connected to combat operations.
“In total, two requests linked to the war in Iran were refused, while a maintenance flight and two requests for transport aircraft were approved”, the government stated.
Officials clarified that the rejected requests concerned reconnaissance flights scheduled for 15 March. Under Switzerland’s neutrality legislation, states engaged in hostilities are not permitted to conduct military overflights across Swiss territory if those flights serve operational purposes connected to an ongoing conflict.
“The law of neutrality prohibits overflights by parties to a conflict for military purposes related to that conflict,” the government said, referring specifically to the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
While military missions linked to combat operations are barred, Swiss authorities emphasised that flights with humanitarian or medical purposes remain permitted. Aircraft transporting injured people or conducting activities unrelated to the hostilities can still receive approval to use the country’s airspace.
Bern also indicated that future requests will continue to be evaluated carefully. Overflights that exceed normal traffic levels or whose purpose cannot be clearly determined could also face rejection.
The decision reflects Switzerland’s long-established policy of neutrality, which has been formally recognised by the international community since 1815. That status has historically required the country to avoid involvement in military operations between other states and to restrict the use of its territory for war-related activities.
The stance comes amid broader tensions among Western allies over logistical support for operations in the Middle East. At the beginning of the conflict, US President Donald Trump sharply criticised the United Kingdom for hesitating to grant access to American bases, and later warned Spain that it could face trade repercussions after refusing to provide similar military support.
Switzerland’s refusal illustrates the diplomatic balancing act facing neutral states as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to widen, forcing governments across Europe to navigate competing legal obligations, political alliances and security concerns.
