Luxon Must Confirm No SAS To Iran War – Peace Action Wellington
About 90 Australian Air Service (SAS) troops were sent to the Middle East roughly a fortnight ago, likely to Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. The special forces are reportedly on standby in case Australians in the region need help evacuating. However, the Australian government has refused to confirm or deny the deployment raising questions about its role.
“In view of the Australian report, the New Zealand public deserves full assurances that the NZ SAS has not and will not be deployed to assist the US and Israeli war,” said Valerie Morse of Peace Action Wellington.
“Chris Luxon and new Defence Minister Chris Penk must be fully transparent about any decisions they take regarding the Iran war. That is only right and proper. In 2026, it is simply not tenable and not acceptable to secretly deploy troops without any discussion or debate, particularly given that this war is completely illegal and unprovoked.”
“The reliance on SAS Troops may be seen in the Beehive as an easy way to appease Trump. Luxon and Penk may use the ruse that the troops are operating ‘behind the wire’ or just there to assist with evacuations. Those are distinctions are meaningless, particularly as the war widens and the UAE and other Gulf countries become active combatants.”
“World leaders are talking brazenly about committing war crimes. Members of NZ’s Parliament would do well to remember the dishonourable role of NZ SAS in Afghanistan played assisting the US in another unjustified war. There, credible and robust evidence shows that NZ SAS engaged in attacks based on dubious ‘intelligence’ resulting in the murders of men, women and children.”
“The NZ public will hold politicians accountable for any decision to participate in Trump and Netanyahu’s fascist adventures.”
