Defence Minister Judith Collins says two Air Force planes will be heading to an undisclosed location in the Middle East to help any Kiwis who are stranded.

The White House says the war could last four to six weeks - with Israel unleashing a new wave of strikes on Iran.

A C-130J Hercules aircraft left Auckland's Whenuapai - and another was sent earlier to the Middle East, after being in Asia.

Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell says Collins confirmed the plan is to get people out of immediate danger so they can get on a flight home to New Zealand.

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