The US Commerce Department did not provide further details on the suspension of weapons exports, including handguns and optical sights, but said there would be an urgent review of “the risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, human rights abuses, or facilitate criminal activities”.

The temporary ban applies to most guns and ammunition that can be purchased in a gun store in the United States, said Johanna Reeves, an attorney specializing in export controls and firearms at the law firm Reeves & Dola in Washington.

She said the US Commerce Department had never taken such a strict action before. Export licenses for Ukraine and Israel, as well as several other close allies, would be exempted.

Exporters may continue to submit license requests during the suspension, but they will be subject to review until the suspension is lifted.

The US Commerce Department said the suspension does not affect previously issued export licenses.

Quoc Thien (according to Reuters)