Iran crisis: Over 1700 Kiwis registered in countries involved in conflict, including 26 in Iran
Monday, 2 March 2026
More than 1700 Kiwis have told the Government they are currently in countries involved in the emerging Iranian conflict.
This includes 26 in Iran itself and more than a thousand others in countries that have been struck by Iran in counter-attacks.
This is likely to be an undercount as it only includes Kiwis who have registered with SafeTravel, and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has suggested there will be thousands more.
The Government has not yet shared any plans to repatriate Kiwis stranded in the region, instead advising people to shelter in place.
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By far the largest group of Kiwis registering themselves on SafeTravel are the 1091 in the United Arab Emirates, which has faced hundreds of missiles ‒ including strikes to Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Thousands of flights have been cancelled since the attacks began.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed there were 71 Kiwis registered in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories. Israel partnered with the US for the initial strike on Iran and has faced a concerted counterattack.
Hundreds of Kiwis have registered in other countries facing Iranian strikes, including 262 in Qatar, 225 in Saudi Arabia, 44 in Bahrain, 30 in Jordan, 28 in Kuwait, 17 in Oman, and 8 in Cyprus.
Iran’s military leaders have described its other counterattacks in the region as targeting US bases, but some of the rockets have hit civilian targets such as hotels and airports.
Many of Iran’s attempted counterattacks have been intercepted. Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan all say they have intercepted attacks.
The Post asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and acting Foreign Affairs Minister Todd McClay if New Zealand is working with any other countries in an attempt to evacuate its citizens.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said New Zealand was working with consular teams to help Kiwis in the region.
“We are closely coordinating with consular teams in a number of countries on how to help our people in the region. We are not considering evacuation flights. Given airspace across the region is currently closed, the quickest way for New Zealanders to return home will be commercial flights once they resume. We advise New Zealanders to keep in contact with their airlines, travel agents and insurers so that they can use commercial travel as soon as the airspace reopens,” the spokesperson said.
“Travellers should closely monitor developments and local advice. While attacks continue and airspace remains closed in many countries, our advice to New Zealanders is to shelter in place. New Zealanders should leave when it is safe and possible to do so.“
The United Kingdom is reportedly planning a huge operation to evacuate the 71,000 British nationals in the region.
In past evacuations New Zealand has been able to link up with other countries planning larger evacuations.
Peters said on Sunday it was too dangerous to put a plane up to help Kiwis at the present point.
He reiterated that the Government had been telling Kiwis to leave Iran for weeks.
“It will be very difficult in the risky cities. But if you're out in the countryside and can get away, give it a go. Otherwise, try and stay safe, stay inside, and we'll see how things develop. But it's very, very difficult for us, this far away from personal circumstances to tell people what to do,“ Peters said.
“Mind you, we've been telling them for weeks to get ready, just in case this happened. Maybe next time, listen to the Government of New Zealand, who does care what their future might be.”