New Zealand Reimposes Sanctions on Iran Due to Uranium Enrichment
New Zealand announced today, Friday, the reimposition of sanctions on Iran, in a move that reflects the growing international concern over Tehran's repeated violations of its nuclear commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated in an official statement that the sanctions will take effect starting tomorrow, Saturday, October 18, and will include asset freezes, travel bans on sanctioned individuals, as well as a ban on the import and export of a number of goods related to nuclear and military programs.
Peters added that "the reimposition of UN sanctions reflects the deep concern of the international community regarding Iran's unjustified nuclear activities, particularly the levels of uranium enrichment that exceed the limits set in the agreement."
He explained that this step came after similar moves from Britain, France, and Germany, which also reimposed UN sanctions on Tehran due to its ongoing violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
These developments were not isolated from the escalating tensions between Iran and Western countries; in August, Australia accused Iran of orchestrating two anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, and at that time announced the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador, giving him a seven-day deadline to leave the country.
In this context, the New Zealand minister reaffirmed his country's steadfast support for diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, calling on Iran to return immediately to the negotiating table and resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Peters revealed that the New Zealand government will launch a mandatory registration plan for citizens wishing to engage with Iran, which will come into effect on February 1, 2026, as part of its efforts to ensure compliance with sanctions and safe dealings with potential risks.
He concluded his statement by urging New Zealanders to exercise the utmost caution in any business or diplomatic dealings with Iran in the upcoming period.
