23 Jun 2025

NZDF Hercules heading to Middle East to help evacuate Kiwis

From Checkpoint, 5:08 pm on 23 June 2025

A defence force hercules is on route to an undisclosed location in the Middle East, to help evacuate New Zealanders from the conflict zone if its able to. Some air space has been closed since the bombing started between Israel and Iran. The plane will remain on standby in the region to assist if and when possible. President Trump claims US stealth bombers have "totally obliterated" key iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has warned of dangerous consequences. International law expert Associate Professor Anna Hood from the University of Auckland spoke to Lisa Owen.