Source: Radio New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is taking questions from reporters in his weekly post-Cabinet media conference.
It comes as US President Donald Trump warns the deadly US-Israeli conflict with Iran could last for four weeks.
Luxon has refused to be drawn on whether the coalition fully supports the strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
He told Morning Report the Iranian regime was an evil one and had been a destabilising force in the Middle East.
Pressed on whether the strikes are legal or morally right, Luxon said it will be up to the US and Israel to present their case.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Former prime minister Helen Clark has criticised the government’s response, saying it’s clear the strikes have violated international law.
New Zealand officials said advice has been sent directly to New Zealanders registered as being in ten Middle East countries, telling them to shelter in place and leave when it is safe and possible to do so.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was closely co-ordinating with consular teams in a number of countries, including on contingency plans, though airspace remains closed in many countries while attacks continue.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
