Middle East conflict: Switzerland denies US request for airspace clearance

On Saturday, Switzerland announced its decision to deny two US requests for flights over its territory, citing the country's commitment to neutrality as outlined in international law, in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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This move was part of a broader set of decisions, which included approving a maintenance flight and two requests for transport aircraft, as well as refusing two requests tied to the war in Iran, according to a government statement.

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US President Donald Trump had previously been vocal in his criticism of Britain for its initial hesitation to allow US forces to use its bases at the start of the war, and later threatened Spain with trade measures for refusing to grant similar permission.

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The two refused flight requests from Switzerland pertained to reconnaissance flights that were set to take place on March 15, as disclosed by the government.

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Switzerland's law of neutrality explicitly prohibits overflights by parties engaged in a conflict for military purposes directly related to that conflict, as stated in reference to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

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Certain flights, however, remain exempt from this prohibition, including those for humanitarian or medical purposes, such as transporting wounded individuals, as well as flights unrelated to the conflict.

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