June 23, 2025

Winston Peters “extremely worrying” as Defence plane dispatched to the Middle East

Matthew Tukaki Posted On June 23, 2025

Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated NZ is still “assembling the facts” around the U.S. military action and is urging a return to diplomacy. He described the situation as “extremely worrying” and stressed that diplomacy; rather than military action must deliver a lasting solution. Following the strikes, NZ closed its embassy in Tehran indefinitely, citing security concerns.

In addition, a C‑130J Hercules aircraft and a team of Defence and Foreign Affairs personnel have been deployed to the Middle East to assist stranded New Zealanders in Iran and Israel. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, currently abroad, has yet to release a statement. NZ remains neutral, emphasizing no support for military escalation. While NZ acknowledges Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it underscores that resolution must come through talks; not strikes. Labour’s defence spokesperson Peeni Henare called for New Zealand to declare publicly whether the U.S. strikes are illegal under international law, noting that all sides should return to dialogue.