Overview
- The prime minister said New Zealand will not ask to see US or Israeli intelligence justifying the attacks on Iran and left questions of legality to those governments.
- Christopher Luxon later clarified he misspoke about supporting “any actions,” saying New Zealand’s backing is not at any cost.
- He called Iran’s regime evil and destabilising but declined to judge reported incidents such as the BBC-cited girls’ school bombing, saying the US and Israel must explain what occurred.
- MFAT advised New Zealanders registered in ten Middle Eastern countries to shelter in place and depart when possible, coordinating consular teams and contingency plans with regional airspace closed in many locations.
- Labour leader Chris Hipkins said his party does not support the strikes and urged seeking more information from Five Eyes partners, while former prime minister Helen Clark said the attacks violated international law.