The Acting Prime Minister's pushing back on criticism New Zealand's sitting on the fence when it comes on the conflict in the Middle East

The Government's yet to explicitly express support of the US bombing Iranian nuclear facilities.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has noted the US claims it acted in collective self-defence - consistent with the UN charter.

But David Seymour says in terms of offering condemnation, New Zealand has an independent foreign policy.

He says the power of the New Zealand Government speaking its mind is bolstered by it being done cautiously.

And he says the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and Seymour are all advocating for caution at this time.