Two New Zealand embassy staff and their family members have been evacuated from Tehran overnight, the Foreign Affairs Minister says.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said they were evacuated by land to Azerbaijan and New Zealand’s embassy in Tehran was temporarily closed.
“An opportunity arose overnight to get our Embassy staff out of Iran, as part of a convoy alongside government officials from other countries,” Peters said.
“The New Zealand Government has a duty of care to its staff posted overseas, so we did the responsible thing to get them out of harm’s way.
He said the government “do not want New Zealanders in harm’s way”.
“If and when opportunities arise to assist the departure of other New Zealanders in Iran and Israel, we will pursue them with urgency.
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“The New Zealand Government’s long-standing advice for New Zealanders has been ‘do not travel’ to Iran and the events we’re facing there now are exactly why that advice has been in place.”
He said the reopening of air space “could be weeks away” and Kiwis should do everything they can do leave now if they can find a safe route.
“We continue to urge New Zealanders in Israel and Iran to leave if they can safely do so, and to shelter in place if they cannot,” Peters says.
“We know consular partners are considering evacuation flights once air space opens again. As is always the case, we are in close coordination with Australia, and in discussions with them and others about their plans and how we can assist each other.
“MFAT has also approached airlines in the region to seek information on possible commercial options once air space reopens.
“In the meantime, MFAT has provided advice to registered New Zealanders on overland border exits and will continue to do so in the coming days.”
Those in need of urgent consular assistance should contact MFAT’s 24/7 Consular Emergency Call Centre (+64 99 20 20 20). The Ministry is continuing to provide support through the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye and the temporary deployment of a consular team to Azerbaijan.
A decision on the future of the New Zealand Embassy in Iran will be made at a later date.
