Winston Peters to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as Middle East war continues

Foreign Minister Winston Peters will meet with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the war in Iran continues.

Peters will travel to Washington DC today, where he will meet with Rubio, among others.

“The current global context is the most challenging New Zealand has faced in the past 80 years, Peters said.

“In times as complex as these, we highly value opportunities to meet face to face.”

Peters said he and Rubio intend to discuss “our shared commitments to co-operate in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific, as well as significant international developments – particularly the conflict in the Middle East and its impacts on our region".

The meetings would “advance New Zealand’s diplomatic, security and economic interests and facilitate greater mutual understanding of our respective priorities”, Peters said.

Peters would return to New Zealand on April 10.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC in March 2025. Photo / US State Dept

The war in Iran continues to escalate while the Strait of Hormuz remains shut, driving up oil prices worldwide.

US President Donald Trump threatened to strike more of Iran’s critical infrastructure if the strait is not reopened.

Trump previously gave Tehran a 10-day window to agree to a deal to end the war and reopen the strait.

He said in a Truth Social post: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one ... Open the f***ing Strait, you crazy b******s, or you’ll be living in hell – just watch! Praise be to Allah.”

High fuel prices led the Government to announce a relief package that will give about 143,000 “squeezed middle” families $50 a week through a boost to the In-Work Tax Credit.

Peters will be visiting the US fresh off a trip to the Cook Islands, where a new deal between New Zealand and the South Pacific nation was signed.

The agreement attempted to clarify the relationship the two Governments have and the obligations that need to be met.

It followed a diplomatic row involving China that caused New Zealand to pull about $30 million in funding from the realm country.

The agreement, under which funding will resume, included defence and security details that are seen as off-limits for the South Pacific country in its co-operation with China and other nations.