New Zealand still has no position on the strike that killed 100 Iranian school children

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon refuses to confirm a New Zealand position on a reported missile strike in Iran, stating the government is waiting for the United States to explain the results of its own internal review.

More than five weeks on from a deadly bombing of a primary school in Iran, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said New Zealand does not have a position on it.

The Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School, which was located near a Iranian Revolutionary Guard base, was hit by a deadly missile on February 28. More than 100 children were killed.

While US President Donald Trump initially blamed Iran for the attack, investigations into the incident have reportedly pointed to the US as being responsible.

Speaking shortly after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February, Luxon said New Zealand was “not best placed” to pass judgement.

Five weeks on, that position hasn’t changed.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaking at a post-Cabinet press conference.

“Ultimately, it’s not me as the arbiter sitting here in New Zealand judging that, you know, that’s up to the Americans to explain,” he said of New Zealand’s position on the school attack on Tuesday.

“What we are calling for is that we need to make sure that international law and humanitarian law is upheld, and when we see strikes on civilian infrastructure and civilians, that is unacceptable.”

Asked again whether New Zealand has a position on the strike that killed more than 100 children and reports that the US was responsible, Luxon confirmed we do not.

The prime minister declined to comment on the legality of the US and Israel's open-ended attack on Iran.

“I’ve seen the reports, but again, it’s up to the Americans,” he said.

“As we’ve said before, that is an issue for the Americans to explain. They’ve undertaken their review, and and we look forward to seeing the results.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Luxon described Donald Trump’s escalating rhetoric over Iran as “unhelpful” - but stopped short of direct condemnation when pressed during an interview with RNZ.

The comments came after Trump posted a message on Truth Social over the weekend referencing potential strikes on infrastructure in Iran.

Despite condemning Iran’s attacks on civilian infrastructure, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stopped short of condemning President Donald Trump after his latest Truth Social post.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! … F…..’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Asked about the rhetoric, Luxon said: “Yeah, look … the bottom line is that the focus needs to be on not seeing this conflict expand any further. It is critical that the US and Iran find a way to de-escalate. Absolutely critical for the world, and certainly for us in New Zealand… unhelpful because more military action’s not necessary.”

When it was pointed out that New Zealand had condemned Iran’s attacks on civilian infrastructure and asked whether the Government had similarly condemned threats from the US or Israel, Luxon responded that New Zealand’s position had been consistent.

“Well, we’ve actually asked for all parties to be compliant with international law. That’s a longstanding position of New Zealand.”

Luxon said it would be be hard to see the actions of blowing up civilian infrastructure, which Trump has threatened, as being acceptable.