Switzerland Rejects US Flight Requests Over Middle East Conflict Operations

Switzerland has stated that it has rejected two US requests to fly over its territory in operations related to Middle East conflict. Switzerland refused to compromise its neutrality, which is in accordance with international law obligations.

“In total, two requests related to the Iran conflict were rejected, while maintenance flights and two requests for transport aircraft were approved,” the Swiss government said in a statement, according to The Straits Times on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised Britain at the beginning of the conflict for hesitating to authorise US forces to use their bases, and subsequently threatened Spain with trade action for refusing to do so.

The two Swiss flight denials were related to reconnaissance flights on 15 March, the Swiss government said.

“Neutrality law prohibits flights by parties involved in conflict for military purposes related to that conflict,” it said.

Flights for humanitarian or medical purposes, including transporting the wounded and flights unrelated to the conflict, remained permitted, it said.

Switzerland has been formally recognised as a neutral country by the international community since 1815.