WELLINGTON,New Zealand –New Zealand will reinstate United Nations sanctions on Iran due to its failure to comply with nuclear obligations under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced on Friday. The sanctions, effective from October 18, 2025, follow similar actions by Britain, France, and Germany, who cited Iran’s breaches of the agreement. This move also comes after Australia accused Iran of orchestrating two antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne in August, expelling Tehran’s ambassador within seven days.
The sanctions impose an asset freeze and travel bans on designated individuals, prohibit imports and exports of specific nuclear and military goods, and require New Zealanders to exercise caution in dealings with Iran. Peters emphasized that the measures reflect global concerns over Iran’s non-compliance with its nuclear commitments and excessive uranium enrichment activities.
“New Zealand remains committed to diplomatic efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation,” Peters said. “We urge Iran to resume negotiations and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
Additionally, New Zealand will introduce a mandatory registration scheme for its citizens intending to conduct business with Iran, effective February 1, 2026.
