NEW Zealand diplomatic missions in the Middle East are closely monitoring the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Iran has responded with missiles after the US and Israel launched military attacks designed to kill Iranian government and military leaders.
In a statement, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised New Zealanders in the region to shelter in a safe place and follow the advice of local authorities.
“We join the international community in hoping this crisis ends as quickly as possible,”said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters.
We condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate retaliatory attacks on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. We cannot risk further regional escalation, and civilian life must be protected.”
The statement also condemned Iran’s nuclear programme, its destabilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people in an apparent apportioning of blame on Iran.
“We acknowledge that the actions taken overnight by the US and Israel were designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security,” the statement said.
“Iran has, for decades, defied the will and expectations of the international community. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support.”
New Zealand called for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law – and we urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution that returns Iran to the community of nations.