From the coasts of Aotearoa to the chambers of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand has declared its unwavering condemnation of the U.S. nuclear missile strike on Iran. Known for its deep commitment to peace, disarmament, and indigenous justice, New Zealand has risen firmly against this act of unconscionable violence.

“We opposed nuclear weapons in the Pacific.
We oppose them now in the Persian world.
The people of Iran are not alone,”
read the official statement from the New Zealand Peace Foundation.

1. A Legacy of Nuclear Opposition

New Zealand has been globally recognized as one of the most anti-nuclear countries in the world, enshrining its nuclear-free stance into law with the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act of 1987.

This legacy stems from decades of resisting French nuclear testing in the Pacific, and it now extends to firmly opposing the bombing of Iran with nuclear weaponry.

2. Historic and Cultural Ties with Iran

Although geographically distant, New Zealand and Iran share respectful diplomatic relations, with trade, education, and cultural exchange forming bridges between the two nations.

Iranian students have studied across New Zealand’s universities, and both countries have cooperated on human rights platforms and UN peacekeeping initiatives. The Iran-New Zealand Friendship Society, active since the 1980s, has released a powerful condemnation of the strike and called for Pacific–Middle East solidarity.

3. Māori Voices Join the Global Chorus

The Māori King Movement, as well as iwi (tribal) leaders, have expressed deep concern over the bombing, likening it to “a desecration of ancestral land and sacred life.”

A vigil was held at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where Māori elders lit ceremonial fires and offered karakia (prayers) for the people of Iran. A collective chant echoed:

“We are many waka, paddling for peace.”

Youth-led protests in Auckland and Wellington displayed signs reading:

• “Nuclear War Is Never the Answer”

• “From Aotearoa to Tehran—Peace Always Wins”

4. Government and International Legal Action

Prime Ministerial offices in Wellington swiftly released a joint statement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

• Calling the nuclear attack “a moral failure and international crime”

• Requesting immediate discussion in the UN Security Council

• Offering medical and humanitarian support for affected civilians

• Reaffirming New Zealand’s leadership in global disarmament initiatives

New Zealand legal experts have also proposed a motion to the UN General Assembly for a special tribunal on nuclear crimes against humanity.

Conclusion

New Zealand does not measure itself by military might. It measures itself by conscience.

“We are a Pacific people.
We honor life. We protect peace.
And when we say ‘never again,’ we mean it.
We stand with Iran—boldly, tenderly, and without hesitation.”