WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND March 2, 2026 (Life News Agency) – New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has released a video statement addressing the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks on several Gulf states.
In the video posted on X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon under the caption “My statement this afternoon on the current situation in the Middle East,” Luxon reiterated New Zealand’s firm condemnation of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, regional destabilisation, and domestic repression while acknowledging the US and Israeli actions.
The statement builds on a joint government release issued yesterday (March 1) by Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. In that official text, the government declared:
“New Zealand has consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear programme, its destabilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people.
Iran has, for decades, defied the will and expectations of the international community. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support.
In this context, we acknowledge that the actions taken overnight by the US and Israel were designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.”
Luxon strongly condemned Iran’s response, stating in the joint release (which the video echoes):
“We condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate retaliatory attacks on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. We cannot risk further regional escalation, and civilian life must be protected.”
The Prime Minister called for immediate de-escalation, urging:
“We call for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law — and we urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution that returns Iran to the community of nations.”
Luxon also expressed solidarity with ordinary Iranians, noting: “We recognise too the courage of the Iranian people who have taken to the streets in recent weeks to demand change, only to be met by violence and murder. The Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”
The strikes over the weekend reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with dozens of senior figures and crippled parts of Iran’s naval capabilities. Iran responded with missile and drone barrages targeting US-allied nations in the Gulf, triggering widespread flight disruptions and global concerns over oil prices and broader conflict.
Luxon’s position aligns New Zealand closely with Australia, which has explicitly backed US efforts to prevent Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. The Prime Minister has described the Iranian regime as “evil” and a destabilising force, while deferring questions of international legality to Washington and Jerusalem.
The statement has drawn domestic criticism. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark labelled the government’s response “a disgrace,” arguing it failed to condemn what she called illegal strikes launched while diplomatic talks were progressing.
No New Zealanders are reported injured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Kiwis in the region to shelter in place, follow local authorities, and register on the SafeTravel website. Embassies are providing consular support.
Luxon’s video statement comes after a post-Cabinet press conference and reflects New Zealand’s ongoing monitoring of the fast-moving crisis.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information emerges.
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