New Zealand is deploying personnel and a C-130J Hercules aircraft to the Middle East as part of efforts to assist stranded citizens from Iran and Israel, the Government has announced today.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed the deployment following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, announced by US President Donald Trump on Sunday.
Trump said the strikes on Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan were a “spectacular military success” in a speech from the White House this afternoon.
“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”
Peters called the ongoing military action in the Middle East “extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided”.
“New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks.”
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Peters said New Zealand remained “seriously concerned” about the risk to New Zealand citizens in Iran and Israel given the continued military strikes between the two countries.
“Airspace has been closed since the beginning of the current conflict, and it is highly uncertain when it will reopen. That is why we continue to recommend that New Zealanders do everything they can to leave now if they can find a safe route.
“We know it will not be safe for everyone to leave Iran or Israel, and many people may not have access to transport or fuel supplies. If you are in this situation you should shelter in place, follow appropriate advice from local authorities and stay in touch with family and friends where possible.”
The Foreign Minister is urging for a diplomatic resolution. (Source: 1News)
Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment of the aircraft was part of contingency planning.
“By positioning an aircraft and Defence and Foreign Affairs personnel in the region, we may be able to do more when airspace reopens.”
The Government was also in discussion with commercial airlines to assess how they might be able to assist.
The C-130J Hercules was scheduled to leave Auckland tomorrow and would take several days to reach the Middle East.
All New Zealanders in the Middle East – not just in Iran and Israel – were urged to register on SafeTravel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is running 24/7 consular operations, including via teams in the region.
New Zealanders in Iran and Israel needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry’s Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20.
