New Zealand lowers Middle East travel warnings after US-brokered agreement

New Zealand has downgraded travel advisories for several Middle East countries following a U.S.-brokered agreement expected to reduce military strikes and armed conflict in the region. The move reverses previous "do not travel" warnings for Israel and Iran issued during peak regional tensions. MFAT advisory changes carry weight: they affect travel insurance, employer duty-of-care obligations, and consular assistance. Wellington confirmed it will not join US and Israeli military action in the Middle East.