Key Takeaways
- The Iranian government has been accused of killing protestors, with reports of 544 deaths 15 days into the demonstrations
- New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has expressed grave concern and called on Iranian security forces to refrain from violence
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has urged any New Zealanders still in Iran to leave immediately
- The US has considered potential military intervention options, including military strikes and sanctions
- New Zealanders have been advised not to travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation and risk of arbitrary arrest or detention
Introduction to the Crisis in Iran
The situation in Iran has taken a turn for the worse, with reports of protestors being killed and a significant escalation of violence. The Iranian government has cut off internet access and telephone lines, making it difficult for information to flow outside of the country. This has led to a significant concern from the international community, with many countries, including New Zealand, calling on the Iranian government to refrain from violence. The protests, which have been ongoing for 15 days, have resulted in a number of deaths, injuries, and significant arrests, with US-based rights group HRANA verifying the deaths of 544 people.
New Zealand’s Response to the Crisis
New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has expressed grave concern at the reports of protestors being killed in Iran. In a post on social media, Peters stated that New Zealand was "gravely concerned" by the reported killing of protestors and called on Iranian security forces to "refrain from violence". Peters also emphasized that peaceful protest was a fundamental human right, and that New Zealanders should be aware of the risks of traveling to Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has also urged any New Zealanders still in Iran to leave immediately, citing the volatile security situation and risk of arbitrary arrest or detention.
The Situation on the Ground in Iran
The situation on the ground in Iran is dire, with the government having cut off internet access and telephone lines. This has made it difficult for families abroad to contact their loved ones, with many relying on scattered footage shared via Starlink satellite connections. Forough Amin from Iranian Women in NZ stated that the regime had shut down landlines, mobile networks, and internet access, leaving families abroad cut off. The lack of access to information has made it difficult for the international community to get a clear picture of the situation on the ground, but it is clear that the situation is grave.
International Response to the Crisis
The international community has been quick to respond to the crisis in Iran, with many countries calling on the Iranian government to refrain from violence. The US has considered potential military intervention options, including military strikes and sanctions. US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, and the US has made it clear that it will not stand idly by while the Iranian government cracks down on protestors. The European Union has also expressed concern, with many countries calling for restraint and an end to the violence.
Advice for New Zealanders in Iran
New Zealanders have been advised not to travel to Iran for a number of years due to the volatile security situation in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has reiterated this advice, stating that the ability for the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders in Iran was extremely limited. MFAT has also warned that Iran does not recognize dual citizenship, and that Iranian dual-nationals must enter and leave on their Iranian passport. This has significant implications for New Zealanders with dual citizenship, who may not be able to leave Iran with consular assistance.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The situation in Iran is grave, and the international community must continue to pressure the Iranian government to refrain from violence. New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has made it clear that New Zealand will not stand idly by while the Iranian government cracks down on protestors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has urged any New Zealanders still in Iran to leave immediately, and has warned of the risks of traveling to the country. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the international community must continue to speak out against the violence and call for restraint. The US and other countries must also consider all options, including military intervention, to protect the rights of the Iranian people and to prevent further bloodshed.