{"id":340125,"date":"2026-03-21T03:06:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T03:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/340125\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T03:06:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T03:06:10","slug":"new-zealand-joins-19-countries-in-statement-condemning-irans-attacks-in-the-gulf-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/340125\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand joins 19 countries in statement condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Prime<\/p>\n

\nPrime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised the attacks against fuel tankers and energy infrastructure were leading to higher fuel prices for New Zealanders.
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Samuel Rillstone\n<\/p>\n

New Zealand has joined 19 other countries in condemning Iranian attacks on commercial ships<\/a> in the Gulf.<\/p>\n

In a collective statement, the countries including the United Kingdom and Germany, expressed “deep concern” about the escalating conflict.<\/p>\n

They called on Iran to immediately cease threats, laying mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block commercial vessels from travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n

But some of New Zealand’s most like-minded partners, including Australia, were notably absent from the statement.<\/p>\n

In a post on X, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised the attacks against fuel tankers and energy infrastructure were leading to higher fuel prices for New Zealanders.<\/p>\n

“That’s why we have joined the United Kingdom and other countries in condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf.”<\/p>\n

Iran had effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to ships carrying fuel and critical goods to “places like New Zealand”, he said.<\/p>\n

“New Zealand has a longstanding record of working with like-minded partners to ensure open supply lines for global trade.”<\/p>\n

The statement also expressed its signatories would be ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.<\/p>\n

Luxon clarified any such future support would need to be considered by Cabinet.<\/p>\n

The statement called for a moratorium on strikes against civilian oil and gas infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Attacks on fuel tankers and energy infrastructure in the Middle East are leading directly to higher fuel prices for Kiwis. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s why we have joined the United Kingdom and other countries in condemning Iran\u2019s attacks in the Gulf. Iran has forced the effective closure of the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/aiT1JXjWtc<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The countries said Iran’s actions would be felt across the world, especially by the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n

They welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to release strategic petroleum reserves.<\/p>\n

Throughout the statement, they called for a recognition of international and maritime security and freedom of navigation law by all states.<\/p>\n

“We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.”<\/p>\n

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