WELLINGTON – New Zealand will reinstate United Nations sanctions on Iran, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced on Friday, citing Tehran’s failure to meet its obligations under the 2015 international nuclear agreement.
The sanctions, set to take effect on October 18, are a direct response to Iran’s non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This move aligns New Zealand with key allies; Britain, France, and Germany have recently taken similar steps, citing Iranian breaches of the accord.
“The reimposition of UN-mandated sanctions reflects the international community’s deep concerns about Iran’s non-compliance with its nuclear obligations and unjustifiable levels of uranium enrichment activity,” Peters stated.
The decision follows heightened international tension surrounding Iran’s activities. In August, Australia accused Tehran of directing two antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, subsequently expelling Iran’s ambassador.
The reinstated sanctions package includes an asset freeze and travel bans on designated individuals, import and export bans on specific nuclear and military goods, and a directive for New Zealanders to exercise heightened vigilance in all dealings with Iran.
