Norway continues arms sales to US despite calling Iran attacks illegal

Norway is facing criticism for continuing arms exports to the US despite its own assessment that Washington’s military offensive against Iran violates international law, Dagbladet reports.

Mads Harlem, a lawyer and international law advisor for Save the Children, questioned how Norwegian authorities reconcile their export control regulations—which prohibit arms sales to conflicts deemed illegal—with ongoing shipments to the US. “Our export control framework does not permit Norway to sell weapons to regions where war or the threat of war exists,” Harlem stated, adding that the government has explicitly classified the US-led attacks on Iran as an “unlawful war of aggression.”

The legal expert emphasized that Norway’s regulations make no exceptions for NATO allies. “I see no provision allowing exemptions for NATO or allied nations participating in an illegal offensive war. This is not a valid consideration under our export control rules for arms shipments to conflicts involving unlawful warfare,” he said.

Swiss freeze contrasts with Norwegian stance
While Norway maintains its arms trade with the US, Switzerland has suspended new export licenses to Washington, citing its neutrality and arms control legislation. The Swiss government halted approvals after the US launched strikes on Iran on February 28, with an expert panel now reviewing existing permits.

Harlem argued that Switzerland’s decision raises legal questions about Norway’s continued exports. “If DEKSA [Norway’s Directorate for Export Control] believes the rules allow arms sales to allies engaged in an unlawful war, I’d like to see which specific regulations they’re referencing,” he said.

Government defends NATO alignment
Eivind Vad Petersson, state secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed comparisons with Switzerland, noting its 200-year neutrality contrasts with Norway’s NATO membership since 1949. “Our export controls prioritize Norway’s security and defense interests,” Petersson wrote in an email to Dagbladet, pointing to the “most serious security situation in decades.”

He underscored the strategic importance of Norway’s defense industry and long-term cooperation with NATO allies. The Directorate for Export Control (DEKSA) declined to comment on political considerations but reaffirmed adherence to Norwegian law as approved by parliament.