Switzerland's Federal Council rejected two U.S. requests for military overflights on Saturday, citing the country's longstanding neutrality laws amid the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The decisions concerned five total requests from U.S. military and state aircraft received in connection with the conflict. Two requests for reconnaissance planes scheduled to cross Swiss airspace on Sunday were denied because they served a military purpose related to the war. The government approved the remaining three: one maintenance flight and two for transport aircraft, which did not violate neutrality rules.

"The law on neutrality prohibits overflights by parties to the conflict that serve a military purpose related to the conflict," the Federal Council stated. Permitted exceptions include humanitarian and medical transits, such as transport of wounded persons, as well as flights unrelated to the conflict.

Switzerland has maintained armed neutrality since the 1815 Congress of Vienna, enshrined in international law. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation examines such diplomatic clearances in consultation with the foreign, defense, and economics ministries. The Federal Council handles cases of significant political weight to preserve neutrality.

The rejections come as serious hostilities rage in the Middle East, escalating since February 28, 2026, between the U.S. and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted strikes on Iranian military and security infrastructure, while Iran has launched missiles toward Israel. No ceasefire discussions are underway despite mediation attempts.

The U.S. holds an annual authorization for designated state aircraft overflights, but it excludes those providing military support in the current war. Non-designated flights require individual licenses. Looking ahead, the government will reject future requests that exceed normal traffic levels or have undetermined purposes, authorizing only those clearly unrelated to the conflict.

This stance underscores Switzerland's commitment to impartiality, even as allies face logistical constraints in the intensifying regional conflict.