Iranian Embassy issues warning

A call from the Iranian Embassy in Wellington for New Zealand to promote peace and security in the Middle East also contained a warning.

The statement supplied to RNZ followed a missile attack on United States bases in Iraq yesterday afternoon.

The US Department of Defence confirmed Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against the US military facilities of al-Asad base in western Iraq and Erbil in the north.

The embassy’s statement said the latest events would not negatively affect friendly relations between New Zealand and Iran.

‘‘We expect New Zealand, as an influential member of the international community, to once again use its international position in reacting to this wrong approach to have peace and security in the Middle East and the world.’’

However, the statement also had a warning for all foreign forces in the Middle East.

‘‘We hope that the international community will play its role in modifying the unlawful actions of some foreign powers in the region and prevent any unintended occurrence.

‘‘Otherwise, serious damage will affect all international and domestic players involved.’’

Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand personnel in Iraq were as safe they could be, but added he was deeply concerned.

New Zealand has about 45 personnel stationed at Camp Taji on the outskirts of Baghdad.

Video circulating on Iranian state media showed the moment a volley of missiles apparently landed on the large al-Asad base.

Not long afterwards, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed credit for the attack, which it said was revenge for the killing of its general Qassem Soleimani by the ‘‘Great Satan’’ America.

It contained a warning to allies of the US, too, stating that any nations aiding the American mission could be targeted.

Mr Peters said he was deeply concerned about escalating hostilities.

‘‘Now is the time for restraint and de-escalation, and for diplomacy to take over,’’ he said.

‘‘It is important to note that the missile attacks did not target Camp Taji and the Government has been informed all New Zealand personnel are as safe as they can be in these developing circumstances.’’

Earlier, Defence Minister Ron Mark said he was not considering withdrawing New Zealand troops from Iraq before the official withdrawal date in June.

‘‘We will continue to talk to coalition partners.

‘‘We will continue to collaborate alongside them and we will make our decisions based on the situation at the time,’’ Mr Mark said.

‘‘But at the moment it’s a case of being alert, being aware and making sure that we keep our people as safe as possible.’’

Like most of the world’s governments, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s administration has neither condemned nor endorsed the US drone strike which killed Mr Soleimani, only calling for a de-escalation of hostilities.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Twitter that the strikes against the United States were ‘‘proportionate measures’’ carried out in self-defence.

He said Iran did not seek an escalation or war, but would ‘‘defend ourselves against any aggression’’.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, earlier tweeted that ‘‘all is well’’ and that the assessment of casualties and damage was under way.

‘‘So far so good,’’ according to Mr Trump. 

-By Matthew Theunissen