New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has said his country is “appalled” by a sharp escalation of violence and repression in Iran, as nationwide protests continue to rock the Islamic Republic.
Demonstrations began in the capital, Tehran, in late December, initially triggered by soaring prices, unemployment and worsening economic conditions. Since then, protests have spread to dozens of cities and towns across the country, evolving into a broader challenge to Iran’s ruling authorities.
In a strongly worded statement, Peters condemned what he described as a brutal and disproportionate crackdown by Iranian security forces. He said reports of thousands of protesters being killed were deeply disturbing and highlighted what he called a systematic effort to silence dissent.
“The people of Iran have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and access to information,” Peters said. “These fundamental rights are being brutally suppressed, and New Zealand condemns this repression in the strongest possible terms.”
The foreign minister also criticised Iran’s near-total internet blackout, imposed as protests intensified. The shutdown has severely restricted the flow of information out of the country, making it difficult for journalists, human rights organisations and foreign governments to independently verify events on the ground. As a result, only limited video footage and eyewitness accounts have emerged on social media.
The unrest has drawn international attention, including from the United States. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action over Tehran’s handling of the protests. However, Reuters reported on Thursday that Trump now believes the level of killings may be subsiding and that mass executions of protesters are unlikely.
Despite these claims, rights groups continue to warn of a severe humanitarian crisis. US-based human rights organisation Hrana said more than 2,500 people have been killed since the protests began, including at least 12 children. It also reported thousands of arrests, with detainees facing harsh conditions and summary trials.
Against this backdrop, Peters urged all New Zealand citizens still in Iran to leave the country immediately, citing the rapidly deteriorating security situation and limited consular access due to the internet restrictions.
New Zealand, he said, would continue to work with international partners to press Iran to halt the violence and respect the basic rights of its people.
