Iran

New Zealand wants to see a negotiated resolution to this crisis as soon as possible. We are concerned about any action during this ceasefire that risks escalation and increases economic and energy instability. We need political agreement on a permanent solution to end this crisis. That is only going to happen through negotiations.

The fuel and economic response is being led by the Fuel Security Ministerial Oversight Group (MOG), chaired by Minister Nicola Willis, alongside Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Ministers Shane Jones, David Seymour, Chris Bishop and Simon Watts. The Oversight Group is supported by six Chief Executives from various Government agencies.

The Ministry of Business, Innovatation and Employment (MBIE) is the fuel response lead agency, and is being supported by a small Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)-led team to ensure system coordination across the broad set of agencies involved in the response.

The Government has announced a staged fuel response plan under the National Fuel Plan, which aims to protect the economy and safeguard critical services amid major global fuel disruptions. More information is available here: Middle East conflict and New Zealand's fuel stocks | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

The Government, including through our diplomatic posts, has been working to actively shore up and mitigate the impacts of this crisis on our supply chains. This includes high level engagement with Singapore and Korea, our two main sources of refined fuel, as well as tracking supply chain impacts on non-fuel critical goods.

We are also engaging closely with Pacific partners and Australia to understand impacts on the region and how we can best provide support.

As a longstanding supporter of the rules-based system, New Zealand expects all parties to adhere to international law. The actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran were based on the own assessment and information, in response to the threat Iran poses to international peace and security. There will be lots of views in New Zealand and internationally on the legitimacy of the initial strikes and it is for the US and Israel to justify the legality of their actions.  

No. New Zealand is not central to issues in the Middle East, and we have not received any request to contribute to the US and Israel’s military action.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital seaway for the global economy, and it is crucial that freedom of navigation be restored. For that reason, New Zealand is in ongoing discussions with a range of partners about this important question of fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Engaging with partners in this context supports New Zealand’s understanding of developments and informs any future advice to Ministers on a potential future contribution to a multinational coalition.

New Zealand’s consideration of participation in any mission related to the Strait of Hormuz would be contingent on there being a sustainable ceasefire agreement in place. Our potential participation would also be a matter for Cabinet consideration at the appropriate future time.

New Zealand is monitoring the impact of the conflict on the Pacific. We know there are risks for the region. Fuel imports are vitally important for Pacific Island countries, which are often at the end of long supply chains. We are engaging closely with Pacific partners and Australia to understand needs across the region and how we can best provide support if needed.

New Zealand is deeply concerned about the impact of the conflict on civilians. Civilian lives must be protected and international humanitarian law respected.

New Zealand has serious concerns about Iran's actions. These include:

• Attacks on neighbouring countries, regional infrastructure and shipping.
• Human rights violations, including restrictions on freedom of expression, political dissent, and the rights of women and minorities.
• Iran’s repression of its own people.
• Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme.
• Destabilising actions in the Middle East and beyond.
• Iran’s support of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

New Zealand has responded to recent developments in Iran by restricting our policy settings. We deliberately reset engagement in 2022, following the death of Mahsa Amini and subsequent violent crackdowns on peaceful protests.

New Zealand has publicly condemned human rights abuses, suspended bilateral engagement mechanisms with Iran, imposed travel bans, removed tariff preferences, and instituted sanctions. These actions represent a strong stance on Iran’s behaviour.

New Zealand will continue to advocate strongly for peaceful long-term solutions through our direct bilateral engagement, in multilateral fora such as the United Nations, and by working closely with international partners. We remain committed to supporting the Iranian people in their pursuit of democratic freedoms, accountability, and human dignity.

New Zealand has: 

• Condemned Iran’s malign activities and human rights violations, including restrictions on freedom of expression, political dissent, and the rights of women and minorities. This includes expressing serious concern about deaths, injuries, and significant arrests resulting from protests. 
• Called upon the Iranian security forces to refrain from violence and restore internet access. 
• Advocated strongly for human rights in Iran through direct bilateral engagement, in multilateral fora such as the United Nations, and by working closely with international partners.  
• Suspended bilateral engagement mechanisms, including the bilateral human rights dialogue and trade promotion activities.  
• Imposed travel bans on 98 individuals responsible for human rights violations in Iran.
• Instituted ‘snapback’ sanctions, in line with our obligations under the United Nations Charter. We have also introduced a compulsory registration scheme for New Zealanders who intend to do business with Iran.  
• Imposed sanctions on 29 Iranian individuals and 21 Iranian entities who have provided support to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.  
• Removed tariff preferences for Iran as a developing country.  
• Co-sponsored human rights resolutions relating to Iran at the United Nations.  
• Spearheaded successful efforts to remove Iran from the membership of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. 
• Not supported Iranian candidates in multilateral elections. 

New Zealand is appalled by the violence and repression in Iran. 

Iranians have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and access to information. It is our long-held view that these are fundamental human rights. 

The Foreign Minister has condemned the actions of Iran’s security forces, including the killing of protesters. 

New Zealand has called upon the Iranian security forces to refrain from violence through Foreign Minister statements and in direct engagements with Iran. We have also said it is essential that Iran restores internet access. 

New Zealanders care about what is happening in the world. There is domestic interest in New Zealand’s position on Iran. 

While the Middle East is far away geographically from New Zealand, instability in one part of the world has direct impacts for us as a small trading nation in an interconnected world. 

Rules matter to small states such as New Zealand. Having a principled voice and upholding international institutions in the UN system reinforces New Zealand’s support for the rules-based international system.  

New Zealand is a responsible international citizen. Our ability to engage on matters of international importance impacts our credibility as a principled partner, including when we are advocating on matters of direct importance for New Zealand in our own region.  

New Zealand respects the right of citizens of all countries to determine their own political future. Self-determination is one of the foundational principles of the UN Charter.

The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people, and the Iranian regime has long since lost that support. Who leads Iran is a question for the people of Iran.

Decisions about political leadership within Iran, or among its opposition movements, are matters for the Iranian people.

No. New Zealand has long used open dialogue with other states as a core feature of advancing New Zealand’s foreign policy. Maintaining diplomatic channels of communication with Iran, including via Iran’s Ambassador in Wellington and the New Zealand Embassy in Tehran, is important as it affords the opportunity to convey New Zealand’s positions directly and frankly.  

Expulsion of an Ambassador and closure of any embassy would be counterproductive to the aim of diplomatic engagement. The Government does not agree that we should only deal with countries that are aligned with our positions. Effective engagement is a vital part of our response to events in Iran and the region more broadly. 

Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade engage regularly with a diverse range of groups, including at senior official level.  We are unable to compile an exhaustive list of all interactions, as this happens as part of regular diplomatic engagement.

Yes. We instituted ‘snapback’ sanctions on Iran on 18 October 2025, in line with our obligations under the United Nations Charter.  

These sanctions include an asset freeze and travel bans for sanctioned persons, import and export bans on certain nuclear and military goods, and a duty on New Zealanders to exercise vigilance in dealings with Iran. On 1 February 2026, we introduced a compulsory registration scheme for New Zealanders who intend to do business with Iran. 

Additionally, New Zealand has sanctioned 29 Iranian individuals and 21 entities who have provided support to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine through the manufacture and supply of drones and missiles. 

New Zealand has also imposed travel bans on 98 individuals responsible for human rights abuses in Iran. See a list of the individuals covered by these bans.

• New Zealand can impose sanctions in two ways: through the domestic implementation of sanctions as mandated by resolution of the United Nations Security Council; or targeted sanctions under the Russia Sanctions Act in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. 
• New Zealand does not have legislation enabling the imposition of other autonomous sanctions. 
• We will continue to act deliberately and alongside partners when we see actions that undermine international law and regional stability. 

We have sent an important message to these individuals that they are not welcome in New Zealand because of their actions. 

It matters that we have coordinated with partners to deliver travel bans. When done together, it shows there are consequences for these individuals’ behaviour. 

New Zealand is gravely concerned by the IRGC’s actions.

While New Zealand has not designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity, we have sanctioned a number of IRGC individuals and entities through UN Security Council-mandated sanctions and under the Russia Sanctions Act. We have also placed travel bans on IRGC individuals.

Designation is a complex matter, and officials are providing advice.

The creation of new visa pathways is a matter for the Minister of Immigration.  

The primary way New Zealand provides support for international refugee situations is through the Refugee Quota, with an annual quota of 1,500 people per annum. Refugees accepted through the Refugee Quota are referred to New Zealand by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 

New Zealand implements sanctions on Iran as required by the UN. These sanctions prohibit certain types of trade and other activities that are linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.  

From 1 February 2026, all New Zealanders wishing to do business with Iran must register in advance with MFAT. The business registration scheme is designed to ensure that legitimate trade with Iran can continue, but that the necessary degree of vigilance is being exercised. 

Some other types of trade are allowed under sanctions and New Zealand’s trade is permissible under those rules.

New Zealand businesses can make their own decisions about trading with Iran at a time when we are deeply concerned with its actions. 

New Zealand has longstanding concerns about Iran’s nuclear activity.   

Iran has enriched some uranium to 60%. There is no civilian use for uranium enriched to that level.  

New Zealand has consistently supported diplomatic effects to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons from any source. 

We have strongly encouraged Iran to re-engage in negotiations and resume full cooperation with the IAEA.  

We are continuing to work with the IAEA to ensure the international community does not lose sight of critical elements of Iran’s nuclear programme.