The New Zealand Government is deploying a C-130J Hercules aircraft and personnel to the Middle East as part of contingency plans to assist citizens stranded in the region, following escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the Government continued to call for restraint and diplomacy after US President Donald Trump announced American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided,” Peters said.
“New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”
Airspace across parts of the region remains closed, and Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed the Hercules deployment is part of efforts to prepare for possible evacuation options.
“We remain seriously concerned about the risks New Zealanders face in Iran and Israel given continued military strikes between the two countries,” Peters said.
“That is why we continue to recommend that New Zealanders do everything they can to leave now if they can find a safe route.”
Peters said many may be unable to leave due to fuel shortages or transport limitations and urged them to shelter in place and follow the advice of local authorities.
The Government is also in talks with commercial airlines to explore other possible evacuation options.
Collins said while current air restrictions make immediate extraction by aircraft impossible, deploying a Hercules and support staff to the region ensures New Zealand is ready to assist if the situation allows.
“By positioning an aircraft and Defence and Foreign Affairs personnel in the region, we may be able to do more when airspace reopens,” she said.
The aircraft is scheduled to leave Auckland tomorrow and will take several days to reach the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is operating around the clock with consular teams, both in Wellington and overseas, working to assist New Zealanders.
All citizens in the Middle East are being urged to register on SafeTravel, and those in urgent need of consular assistance should contact the Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 9 920 2020.
