The Iranian Embassy has accused New Zealand of “misinformation” and taking “inhumane measures” after an announcement from Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters of travel bans on some Iranian ministers. A statement issued by Peters this morning said the travel bans would target 40 individuals “who have perpetrated human rights abuses in Iran”, listing several including Minister of the Interior Eskandar Momeni, Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib and Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad. The sanctions follow what Peters described as the “brutal killing of thousands of protesters in Iran”. He said Iranians’ right to protest, freedom of expression and access to information had been “ruthlessly violated”. Demonstrations broke out across Iran in late December and early January prompted by economic issues. A fresh wave started last week led by students at several universities. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has now issued a statement in response to the New Zealand Government, saying it rejected the decision to impose travel bans. “This measure is politically motivated, based on misinformation, and aligned with a pattern of selective and instrumental use of the concept of ‘human rights’ against independent states,” it said. “Such actions neither contribute to constructive engagement nor reflect a genuine commitment to international law.” The travel bans were announced this morning. Photo / Mark Mitchell The embassy said Western states had for decades “supported and enforced unlawful and coercive sanctions led by the United States against the Iranian people”. “These inhumane measures have directly affected the fundamental rights of ordinary Iranians. Governments that have actively participated in the imposition and enforcement of such sanctions lack the moral standing to lecture others on human rights.” It said there were “blatant double standards” from Western governments. It said they were “silent – or even complicit” on the situation in Gaza. New Zealand has repeatedly expressed concern about Israel’s actions in Gaza, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at one point saying Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu had “lost the plot”. Iran suggested an “independent, balanced and responsible approach based on the realities on the ground, with respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs and genuine adherence to international law”. Peters’ statement said New Zealand joined other countries, such as Australia, in imposing travel bans, which would also apply to three separate Iranian individuals “implicated in Iran’s malign activity abroad”. As a result of the travel bans, the individuals will not be allowed to enter or transit through New Zealand. “Today’s actions send a clear message that those who act with callous disregard for human life are not welcome here,” the minister said. “New Zealand will continue to act deliberately and alongside partners when we see actions that undermine international law and regional stability.” This is the fourth tranche of travel bans on Iran. Previous sanctions were announced in 2022 and 2023. New Zealand’s current advice on the Safe Travel website is to not travel to Iran. It cites the “violent protests” occurring across the country that have ”resulted in a number of deaths, injuries, and a significant number of arrests”. “New Zealanders in Iran should avoid all demonstrations, rallies, and large public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning.” New Zealand’s embassy in Tehran was closed in January amid the deadly protests. The sanctions come as US President Donald Trump mulls potential military action against Iran if it does not abandon its nuclear programme. The latest reporting from the New York Times states the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff says the US has forces in the region that could carry out a small or medium strike, but there would potentially be a high risk of American casualties. Jamie Ensor is the NZ Herald’...