New Zealand’s embassy in Iran has temporarily closed due
to what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
says is a “deteriorating” security situation.
Human
rights groups estimate the death toll has reached over 2500
since protests against the regime began last month.
A
ministry spokesperson said all diplomatic staff left Iran on
commercial flights overnight (NZ time), shifting operations
to Ankara in Turkey.
On Thursday, Foreign Affairs
Minister Winston Peters said
New Zealand was “appalled” by an escalation of violence and
repression.
“We condemn the brutal crackdown being
carried out by Iran’s security forces, including the killing
of protesters,” Peters said.
“Iranians have the right
to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to
information – and that right is currently being brutally
repressed.”
The government has continued to advise
against all travel to Iran, and for any New Zealanders in
the country to leave now.
“The ability of the New
Zealand Government to provide consular assistance to New
Zealanders in Iran remains extremely limited,” the MFAT
spokesperson said.
“There are severe communication
challenges in Iran, which are limiting the ability of people
to get in touch with family and friends. When they are able
to, New Zealanders in Iran should let family and friends
know they are safe.”
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Earlier this week the United
Kingdom also temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, with
all staff evacuated.
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.
US President Donald Trump had threatened
military action over Tehran’s severe response to the
protests.
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