Asia Pacific reacts to Israeli strikes on Iran

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA AA (AA) - Australia and New Zealand expressed grave concern Friday over the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran following the Israeli military’s strikes on Iranian sites.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said her country is "alarmed" by the developments.

She called on all parties to refrain from "actions and rhetoric that risk further destabilization," the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

"We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program. It represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy," she said.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said his country is gravely concerned by the escalation, cautioning that any further retaliatory action "significantly increases the risk of a regional war."

"This would have catastrophic consequences in the Middle East," Peters said in a post on X.

"It is critical that all actors prioritize de-escalation. The best path to regional security is the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran," he added.

"We have asked officials to convey these messages urgently and directly to the Ambassadors of Israel and Iran in New Zealand."

Peters said that New Zealand is very focused on the safety of its staff in Iran and on New Zealanders in the wider region.

The Chinese embassy in Tehran called Iran’s latest security situation “severe and complicated,” warning its citizens and businesses to monitor the situation and take precautions.

“The embassy in Iran reminds Chinese citizens and businesses in the country to closely monitor the situation, enhance their safety awareness, and strengthen security measures,” the South China Morning Post reported, citing a statement from the embassy.

*Writing by Aamir Latif