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\nPeters has condemned what he described as a brutal crackdown by Iran’s security forces (file image).
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Samuel Rillstone\n<\/p>\n
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand is “appalled” by an escalation of violence and repression in Iran.<\/p>\n
Protests against the regime began in the capital Tehran in late December, sparked by the country’s dire economic conditions, and have since spread across the country.<\/p>\n
Peters condemned what he described as a brutal crackdown by Iran’s security forces – which has included the reported killing of thousands of protesters.<\/p>\n
That crackdown had also included an almost total internet blackout<\/a>, which meant few videos had been published on social media, and verifying information had become difficult.<\/p>\n \nIranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on 9 January 2026. Iranians had a right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and access to information – which was being brutally suppressed, Peters said.<\/p>\n US President Donald Trump had repeatedly threatened military action over Tehran’s severe response to the protests, however Reuters on Thursday reported<\/a> Trump believed killings were subsiding and mass execution of protesters was unlikely.<\/p>\n US-based human rights group Hrana said more than 2500 people – including 12 children – have been killed in the protests.<\/p>\n Peters urged all New Zealanders who were still in Iran to leave immediately.<\/p>\n![\"Iranians](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JURXKN_AFP__20260111__MEI_IRN_Ma_DIIMP_20260109_0016_1__v1__HighRes__ProtestsInIranJanuary2_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nPhoto: AFP\/MAHSA\n<\/p>\n