TEHRAN,
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned what he called the US’s “bullying approach” towards Venezuela, according to a statement released Wednesday, as President Donald Trump increases pressure on his Venezuelan adversary.
The United States has sent the world’s largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean, supported by a flotilla of warships, for anti-drug operations against Venezuela.
It has also carried out approximately 20 air attacks against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing more than 80 individuals.
Venezuela says that the US anti-drug effort in the region is a cover for overthrowing President Nicolas Maduro and seizing the country’s oil wealth.
During a phone chat with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, Araghchi condemned the US, calling its threats to use force a “gross violation” of the UN Charter.
Trump has regularly accused Maduro of running a drug cartel.
The US president has also ordered covert CIA operations in the Latin American country, stating that he has not ruled out ordering a military involvement there.
Both Iran and Venezuela have long been subject to US sanctions.
Maduro’s previous visit to Iran occurred in 2022, when the two countries signed a 20-year cooperation deal.
The next year, then-President Ebrahim Raisi visited Caracas as part of a tour to Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
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