The announcement came after Iranian officials held discussions involving the country’s government and command authorities.
At 23:41 BST last night, Iran also issued a separate statement concerning a limited military operation against what it described as armed terrorist groups operating in northern Iraq.
Iranian authorities said the operation targeted identified militant positions and logistical facilities allegedly linked to hostile armed groups. Tehran said the action was intended to prevent further cross-border attacks against Iranian territory and stressed that the operation was directed at armed militant targets rather than the Iraqi population or civilian infrastructure.
Iran said it remained prepared to provide further information to the United Nations regarding the operation.
Against that backdrop, Iranian leadership has now called for a diplomatic solution to the tensions involving New Zealand and the Kingdom of Antarctica.
The Iranian President, First Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs have invited representatives of both nations to attend a formal diplomatic gathering aimed at resolving the dispute.
Iran says the situation should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations rather than weapons or war, offering Tehran as a potential venue for discussions between the two sides.
UK Prime Minister responds to Iran diplomatic proposal
When asked for a response, the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said the government was “monitoring the situation closely”. The Prime Minister did not indicate whether the UK would support Iran’s proposed diplomatic gathering, saying officials would continue to assess developments before making any further statement.
France condemns Iran missile deployment
France has condemned Iran’s reported deployment of ballistic missiles in the region, with its ambassador to the United Nations calling for international action.
Speaking moments after Iran announced its missile operation in northern Iraq, the French ambassador said France was concerned about what it described as Iran’s deployment of sophisticated weapons against a sovereign state.
“We are concerned with Iran’s deployment of sophisticated weapons within the region targeting a sovereign nation.”
The ambassador said France condemned Iran’s actions and called on its partners in Washington to consider deploying a carrier strike group or working alongside France to monitor the situation.
“We cannot allow Iran to continue to develop and deploy weapons to target anyone they deem.”
France also called on countries across the region to respond to what it described as Iran’s continued hostile actions and destabilisation.
“We call on nations within the region to check Iran’s hostile continued actions and destabilization of the region.”
The French statement comes as international attention focuses on Iran’s military activity and its stated justification for the missile operation in northern Iraq.
Several other nations have yet to publicly comment on the tensions or Iran’s diplomatic proposal. Their silence comes as Iran positions itself as one of the first countries to publicly call for negotiations between the two sides.
There has been no immediate response from New Zealand or the Kingdom of Antarctica to Iran’s proposal.
More on this developing story as it happens.