In a coordinated response to escalating security concerns, New Zealand and Slovakia have initiated the temporary closure of their embassies in Tehran and evacuated all diplomatic personnel from Iran. The decision, announced on Friday, January 16, 2026, comes amid what both nations describe as a rapidly deteriorating security environment and heightened risks of military escalation in the region.
New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that its diplomatic staff safely departed Iran via commercial flights overnight, with embassy operations subsequently relocated to Ankara, Turkey. This strategic move ensures continuity of diplomatic functions while removing personnel from immediate danger.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar characterized the security situation as significantly degraded, citing a ‘real threat of an escalation of the military conflict’ as the primary motivation for the evacuation. He confirmed that all Slovak diplomats and embassy employees have been successfully extracted from Tehran and are currently out of harm’s way.
Concurrently, New Zealand has issued a stark travel advisory against all travel to Iran and urgently recommended that any New Zealand citizens currently in the country depart immediately. The government emphasized that its capacity to provide consular assistance is now ‘extremely limited’ due to the closure. Additionally, officials noted severe communications challenges within Iran, advising citizens to contact relatives whenever possible given the difficulties in maintaining reliable contact.
The diplomatic withdrawals occur against the backdrop of New Zealand’s strong condemnation of Iran’s internal security measures. Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that New Zealand remains ‘appalled’ by Tehran’s violent response to recent anti-government protests, explicitly condemning ‘the brutal crackdown being carried out by Iran’s security forces, including the killing of protesters.’ Peters emphasized that Iranians possess the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to information—rights he asserts are currently being ‘brutally repressed.’
New Zealand has formally communicated these serious concerns to the Iranian embassy in Wellington and intends to maintain diplomatic pressure through appropriate channels despite the physical withdrawal of its mission.