Switzerland has suspended all types of arms exports to the United States amid the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S. The Swiss government announced the decision on Friday, citing the need to maintain the country's long-standing policy of neutrality. The move comes as the conflict reaches its 21st day following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

In an official statement, the Swiss government said it could not authorize the export of war materials to any country currently engaged in armed conflict with Iran. The statement specifically mentioned that, due to the prevailing situation, exports of war equipment to the United States were also being halted. The government emphasized that the decision was a direct result of Switzerland’s commitment to neutrality.

The suspension marks a significant policy action by Switzerland during the ongoing Middle East conflict, underscoring its intent to remain neutral despite pressure from global powers involved in the war.

Switzerland has refused a request from the United States to use Swiss airspace for military operations targeting Iran. According to the report, the US made two separate requests to allow its aircraft to fly over Swiss territory as part of its Middle East military actions. The Swiss government declined both requests, citing its neutrality law.

In an official statement, the Swiss authorities explained that under national law, it is prohibited to allow any party involved in a conflict to use Swiss airspace for military purposes. However, the government confirmed that it had approved three flights unrelated to combat operations—one for maintenance and two for transport purposes.

The decision underscores Switzerland’s long-standing policy of neutrality and its legal restrictions on involvement in foreign conflicts, even when approached by major powers such as the United States.

Switzerland has condemned the joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling them a breach of international law. Swiss Defense Minister Martin Pfister said in an interview published Sunday by the newspaper Sonntags Zeitung that the Swiss Federal Council considers the attacks on Iran to be contrary to international law. He stated that, in Switzerland’s view, the strikes represent a violation of the prohibition on the use of force.

Pfister urged all parties involved to cease hostilities and protect civilians. He clarified that his remarks were directed at countries disregarding the ban on violence, explicitly naming the United States and Israel. According to him, both nations carried out airstrikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory actions by Tehran.

The statement follows widespread regional unrest after the US-Israel assault, which has drawn condemnation from several countries. Switzerland’s position adds another European voice opposing the escalation of violence in the Middle East.

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States in Geneva, ended abruptly on Wednesday without any tangible progress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the discussions as difficult and accused Russia of deliberately prolonging the process. He claimed on social media that Moscow was using tactics to delay reaching a final peace agreement. According to Russian state media, the meeting concluded shortly after Zelensky’s remarks. Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said another round of talks would be held soon, though no date was set.

The talks reportedly lasted about two hours, while some Russian sources described them as highly tense and lasting up to six hours in multiple formats. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said the dialogue brought meaningful progress toward ending the war, and both sides agreed to continue discussions. However, Russia maintained its demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from parts of eastern Ukraine, which Kyiv rejected outright.

Separately, Zelensky announced sanctions against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, accusing him of aiding in the killing of Ukrainians. Russian official Nikolai Patrushev warned that Moscow could deploy its navy if Western nations attempted to seize Russian oil tankers under sanctions.

Ukrainian and Russian delegations are set to resume their second round of peace talks in Geneva on Wednesday, mediated by the United States. Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, neither side has indicated progress toward ending what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. The war, now nearing its fourth year, has killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions, and devastated large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine.

Previous rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi failed to yield results, and sources close to the Russian delegation described the latest Geneva session as tense, lasting six hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to move toward an “honorable agreement” but questioned Russia’s sincerity, accusing Moscow of prioritizing missile strikes over real diplomacy. Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and demands full control of Donetsk.

Kyiv has rejected Moscow’s territorial demands and insists on security guarantees before signing any deal. Analysts note that while Russia faces growing economic strain, Ukrainian forces recently regained 201 square kilometers in their fastest advance in over two years.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow and sympathy over the loss of lives in a fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland. In a condolence message sent on Friday to Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin, Yunus conveyed his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh.

According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the tragic incident that claimed many valuable lives. He extended sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the people of Switzerland, expressing solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families to endure the loss.

Yunus also wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the fire, assuring that the thoughts and prayers of the Bangladeshi people remain with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

At least 40 people were killed and 100 others injured after a powerful explosion and fire ripped through a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana early Wednesday. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. during a New Year’s Eve celebration, according to Swiss police cited by Italy’s foreign ministry. The bar, popular among tourists, was crowded with people welcoming the new year when the blast occurred.

Authorities said the explosion is not being treated as an act of terrorism, though the exact cause remains unclear. Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, rushed to the scene, supported by several helicopters in the rescue operation. Booths were set up to assist relatives of the victims.

Police have completely sealed off the area and declared a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to facilitate rescue efforts.

Switzerland’s unique Vocational Education and Training (VET) system starts at age 15, combining practical work experience with classroom learning. Nearly two-thirds of students choose vocational paths over university, gaining paid apprenticeships in over 250 recognized professions. This dual system ensures students develop relevant skills aligned with labor market needs, contributing to Switzerland’s low youth unemployment. The flexible structure also allows career shifts without bureaucratic hurdles, making it a model for producing a competitive, skilled workforce that drives the country’s strong economy.