US military deployment near Venezuela ‘dangerous precedent’ threatening global peace: Pezeshkian

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly condemned the United States for deploying a naval fleet to the Caribbean and the coast of Venezuela, calling the move illegal and a threat to international peace and security.

During a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, on Tuesday, Pezeshkian reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed the latest developments in the Caribbean region.

“The US government’s deployment of a war fleet to the Caribbean and the coast of Venezuela under baseless pretexts is a completely illegal action, a violation of international norms, and a dangerous precedent that threatens global peace and security,” he said.

The US government has escalated pressure on Venezuela through a military buildup in the Caribbean, describing it as an anti-drug trafficking mission without evidence.

The US has also carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, killing at least 83 people.

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Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s support for the independence, security, and stability of Venezuela.

“We are closely following developments in the Caribbean region and the movements of the United States, and we declare our full solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela,” he said.

He underlined the principle of strategic alliance and lasting friendship between Iran and Venezuela, pointing to the deep ties between the two nations.

“Iran considers Venezuela its true friend and ally and supports this country in all circumstances, especially in the current sensitive situation,” he noted.

The president reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to expand cooperation with Venezuela across all fields, noting that Tehran values Caracas’s support in international forums.

He also expressed confidence that the “unity and national will” of the Venezuelan people will help the country overcome current challenges.

Maduro, for his part, expressed appreciation for Iran’s constant support for the government and people of Venezuela

“Our nations have always been united, and over the years, by establishing strong relations, they have been able to provide a model of friendly relations for peace, cooperation, and development,” he said.

Addressing the heightened tensions in the Caribbean, Maduro slammed the US actions as “provocative, unnecessary, and contrary to the United Nations Charter.”

“The false claims of the US against the noble Venezuelan people have been met with opposition from world public opinion, even within the US, as well as the firm opposition of our people,” he noted.

Maduro emphasized that the Venezuelan people remain united in defending “peace, independence, and truth,” adding that they are “stronger and more united than ever, and are increasingly prepared to achieve peace and victory.”

He also conveyed his warm greetings to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and underscored the continuation of the strategic cooperation between Tehran and Caracas.

“We will seriously pursue and strengthen our relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two countries will be in constant contact and strive to achieve peace and development, and this is our shared responsibility,” he added.

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