According to Peters, there could be hundreds of Kiwis currently in Iran, although only 26 are officially registered. In response to the increasing tensions, the New Zealand government has imposed additional sanctions on Iran this week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has been in contact with 26 Kiwis in Iran, down from 39 in January, with the number potentially increasing.
In a recent development, Peters announced travel bans on key members of the Iranian regime involved in violent suppression of protests. These bans target individuals such as Minister of the Interior Eskandar Momeni and Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib, as well as members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Peters stated that these actions are in response to Iran’s destabilizing activities, which violate international norms.
The travel bans will prevent the identified individuals from entering or transiting through New Zealand. Peters reiterated that those who show disregard for human life are not welcome in New Zealand, and the country will continue to work with its partners to address actions that threaten international law and regional stability.
In light of the deteriorating security situation, the New Zealand embassy in Iran was temporarily closed in January, with diplomatic staff relocating to Ankara, Turkey. The government’s advisory against traveling to Iran has been in place for years, and MFAT has urged any remaining New Zealanders in Iran to depart immediately.
Overall, the situation in Iran remains volatile, and New Zealand is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and uphold international norms. The government’s actions demonstrate a commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
