Once again, the Quaker community of Aotearoa must register its grave concern at the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East provoked by US and Israeli military attacks on Iran. 

We are disappointed at the responses of world leaders, including our own, who fail to condemn the outright violations of international law entailed in these attacks with the acknowledged intent of regime change and assassination of a head of state. 

We recognise that Iran is not a benign agent, either domestically or internationally.  However, war is not the answer. Bombs cannot build the just and lasting peace that true security requires. Even now, diplomacy remains the only path that can prevent further bloodshed and address the underlying conflict.

We mourn the loss of life including those of primary school children. We hold in the light all those who are suffering and who now live in fear about what comes next for them.

The Quaker community opposes war and the preparation for war. We see these as inherently inconsistent with the rights of humanity to live in peace. 

We call on the government of New Zealand to work towards a world of peace, to oppose those who promote war, and to call out those who violate the norms and laws of international respect and cooperation among nations.

3 March 2026