Scores of people have been killed across the Middle East since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, killing its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the opening salvoes. Global air transport has also been in chaos, with Middle East air hubs linking Asia, Europe and Africa affected, Reuters reports. All sorts of contingencies to help Kiwis were being looked at but it was a complex situation, Peters told RNZ's Morning Report programme today. Asked on Morning Report about possible evacuation flights for Kiwis, Peters said the situation was "difficult". Last time there was conflict in the Middle East a plane was sent, and within an hour of it landing "peace broke out" and no one got on the flight, Peters said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 03, 2026 21:55 UTC