Auckland, June 24 -- The Government continues to call for diplomacy and dialogue in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.

"We acknowledge developments in the last 24 hours, including President Trump's announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran," Peters says.

"Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided. New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action."

Meanwhile, the Government is pursuing all options for assisting New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel, Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins say.

"We...