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Anti-Iranian regime protesters in Paris wave a giant Iranian flag before the 1979 revolution with the Lion and Sun emblems (right), an Israeli flag (left) and a US flag (rear) as they gather during a march in support of the strikes on Iran and the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photo / AFP

'Sovereignty isn't sacred': Expert pushes back against Helen Clark's criticisms on Iran

Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 3:15pm

The Middle East is being rocked by explosions - and questions are circulating on Iran's governance.

The US and Israel have bombed more than 2000 targets in Iran and killed close to 800 people.

The conflict has sparked criticisms over the international response, but one expert is pushing back against Helen Clark's condemnation of our Government.

Iranian New Zealander, barrister and solicitor Samira Taghavi says she's open to debating Clark to challenge her stance on the conflict.

"International law must bend to save lives, it has happened before, it's not absolute. And she should know better than this, because we have a responsibility to protect and even the UN Charter allows self-defence."

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