Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand “welcomes the announcements by the United States and Iran over the past few hours,” framing them as steps toward ending the conflict.

“While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire,” Mr Peters said.

He credited mediation efforts by Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt, and noted he discussed the situation today with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “This conflict has had wide-ranging impacts and disruptions — for both those in the Middle East and further afield including in New Zealand and the Pacific region,” he said.

“In the coming days and weeks, New Zealand will stand in support of all efforts to bring about a lasting, durable end to this conflict.”

The statement did not detail what the United States and Iran announced, or outline any specific steps New Zealand will take next. We have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for further information.