Iran

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 55 Iranians connected to the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and the violent response to subsequent protests. 
• 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 26 Iranian individuals and 18 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. 

It is not the role of the New Zealand Government to take a position on the internal political leadership of foreign opposition groups.  

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 26 Iranian individuals and 18 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 55 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 designed 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. 

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.