Iran condemns US maritime blockade on Venezuela as ‘state piracy’

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the United States’ threats to unilaterally impose a maritime blockade on Venezuela, characterizing the move as a form of state-sponsored piracy.

The statement denounced the threats to prevent the legal export of Venezuelan oil, calling it a clear manifestation of a policy rooted in “systematic bullying and the use of force,” which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of freedom of navigation and international trade.

The Foreign Ministry said any attempt by the US to seize, intercept, or obstruct the free movement of commercial vessels traveling to or from Venezuela is a direct act of “state piracy and armed robbery at sea.”

The statement further clarified that the US cannot use its domestic laws or unilateral, illegal sanctions to justify such criminal acts.

“The invocation of US domestic laws... can in no way serve as a basis for legitimizing such criminal actions.”

The Foreign Ministry said the economic blockade and the threat of force against a sovereign member state of the United Nations violate the core principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“No power has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of Venezuela.”

Under the UN Charter, the statement said, Venezuela has the inherent right to defend itself against any external threat or aggression.

Call for global resistance

The statement warned the international community that the “aggressive unilateralism” of the United States poses a danger to global peace and security.

If the United Nations and the global community fail to react responsibly, such actions will create a “dangerous precedent” and normalize lawlessness in international relations.

In its concluding remarks, the ministry called upon the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and all responsible governments to condemn the illegal and coercive actions of the US and hold it accountable for its flagrant violations of international law.

On December 16, US President Donald Trump ordered a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, directly targeting Caracas’ main source of revenue.

Trump said Venezuela’s leadership had been designated a “foreign terrorist organization,” accusing it of what he called asset theft, terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

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The surprise announcement has drawn sharp condemnations from across the world.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the US blockade on Venezuela, affirming its full and unwavering support for the constitutional President Maduro, the country’s revolution, and armed forces.

“The American blockade constitutes a serious violation of international law and a further escalation in the pace of aggression against the Bolivarian government.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry also denounced the move, saying tensions surrounding Venezuela could have unpredictable consequences for the entire West.

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