Iran–New Zealand relations

Iran–New Zealand relations

Iran	New Zealand
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Iran, Wellington	Embassy of New Zealand, Tehran

Iran established diplomatic relations with New Zealand on December 14, 1973. Both countries have recognition from the United Nations. Iran and New Zealand are also part of the Non-Aligned Movement and the World Trade Organization. While New Zealand is a full member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Iran has shown interest in the organization and engages in discussions regarding economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

History

New Zealand established its embassy in Tehran in 1975, marking it as the first diplomatic mission in the Middle East, which indicated Iran's importance as a trading partner at that time. In response to this, Iran established its embassy in Wellington in the mid-1980s.

In the 1980s there was a peak in trade between the two nations, where Iran emerged as one of New Zealand’s top export markets, which included its sheep meat trade. This trade was crucial in the establishment of the 1985 Joint Ministerial Commission. However, by the late 20th century, trade dynamics changed due to political developments, such as the Iran-Iraq War and subsequent international sanctions against Iran.

Educational and cultural collaborations

In 2016, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance educational cooperation, allowing Iranian government sponsorship for students to study in New Zealand. This agreement laid the groundwork for fostering cultural and academic exchanges between the two nations.

Political tensions

Relations have encountered significant challenges, especially after the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, which resulted in renewed sanctions on Iran. New Zealand kept its sanctions against Iran intact, while advising its businesses to obtain legal counsel about the effects of U.S. sanctions. Since late 2022, human rights in Iran have become a critical factor influencing bilateral relations. Following the death of Mahsa Amini and the ensuing protests, New Zealand condemned Iran’s government actions and criticized its human rights violations by suspending the bilateral human rights dialogue and imposing travel bans on Iranian officials.

As of 2024, New Zealand has taken a firm stance against Iranian governmental actions, including condemning its military strikes against Israel and supporting international resolutions against Iran’s human rights violations. The evolving political landscape continues to influence the diplomatic relations between the two countries, reflecting New Zealand’s broader foreign policy objectives in the Middle East.

Overall, Iran-New Zealand relations have transitioned from initial cordial diplomatic and economic ties to a more complex relationship influenced by international developments, human rights concerns, and regional geopolitics.