Wellington: New Zealand has announced sanctions and travel bans on several Iranian ministers and officials in response to alleged human rights violations during recent nationwide protests in Iran. The sanctions were revealed on Wednesday, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters detailing the travel ban that impacts 40 individuals, including prominent figures such as Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib, and Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad. In addition to these officials, members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are also affected.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peters highlighted New Zealand's stance on supporting Iranian citizens' rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to information, which he stated have been "ruthlessly violated." The announcement marks New Zealand's alignment with other nations, including Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, and the European Union, in sanctioning Iran.

The travel bans explicitly prohibit the affected individuals from entering or transiting through New Zealand. This recent action follows New Zealand's previous implementation of three tranches of travel bans targeting 55 individuals due to alleged human rights abuses in Iran. Moreover, Wellington has imposed sanctions on 29 Iranian individuals and 19 entities for their alleged involvement in supporting Russia during the war against Ukraine.

Earlier this month, a report from Iran's presidential office disclosed that 2,986 individuals were killed during anti-government protests that erupted in late 2025, out of a total of 3,117 deaths recorded. The fatalities reportedly included both civilians and security forces. The protests, driven by worsening economic and living conditions, lasted around two weeks. While Iranian authorities have acknowledged the public's grievances, they have accused the US and Israel of exploiting the unrest to fuel instability and justify foreign interference and potential regime change.