New Zealand has joined 19 other countries in condemning Iran’s attacks on unarmed commercial ships in the Gulf, expressing "deep concern" about the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
In a joint statement, countries including the United Kingdom and France “condemned in the strongest terms” the attacks, calling on Iran to ease its threats to vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
The countries said such actions were putting international supply routes at risk and urged all states to respect maritime security and freedom of navigation under international law.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said attacks on fuel tankers and energy infrastructure in the Middle East were driving up fuel prices in New Zealand.
“That’s why we have joined the United Kingdom and other countries in condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf,” Luxon said.
“Iran has forced the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to ships carrying fuel and other critical goods to places like New Zealand.”
"New Zealand has a longstanding record of working with like-minded partners to ensure open supply lines for global trade.
"Obviously, any future decision for New Zealand to support multilateral efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would need to be considered by Cabinet."
The joint statement also called for a halt to strikes on civilian oil and gas infrastructure, warning the consequences of the conflict would be felt globally, particularly by vulnerable nations.
Signatories welcomed the International Energy Agency’s move to release strategic petroleum reserves to help stabilise supply.
Several key countries, including Australia, were absent from the statement.
Global fuel prices have risen in recent weeks as tensions in the Gulf threaten supply through the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial route for around a fifth of the world’s oil.
Petrol stations across New Zealand have already felt the impact, with pump prices edging up and some stations running out of fuel entirely.
Several experts warning sustained volatility could lead to more noticeable increases in the coming weeks, despite New Zealand still having enough fuel for around six to seven weeks of supply.
Last week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis outlined a "worst‑case scenario" for New Zealand, planning for eight to 12 weeks of disruption if the conflict were to drag on.
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