On March 18, a group of six Iranians who support the Pahlavi Iran movement came to Aragon’s restaurant, which had the US and Israeli flags on the floor. Alex Aragon, owner of Persian restaurant Banoo in Lower Hutt, was filmed by members of the public after he placed the US and Israeli flags on the floor. Security footage seen by the Herald showed the group approaching the establishment and peering into the entrance. Images of the restaurant from the Wednesday incident showed Aragon also displayed a picture of Khamenei in the restaurant. During his interview with the Herald, Aragon’s phone rang more than 10 times with calls from unknown numbers.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 23, 2026 05:52 UTC