US military buildup near Venezuela ‘dangerous precedent’: Pezeshkian
Maduro says escalation in Caribbean ‘contrary to UN Charter’
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned on Tuesday the US military deployment in the Caribbean and the coast of Venezuela, describing it as a dangerous precedent that threatens global security.
“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,” Pezeshkian said in a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro.
Since late August, the US has deployed the world's largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean, accompanied by a flotilla of warships, under the pretext of fighting drug traffickers.
The US military has conducted some 20 air strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing over 80 people.
Venezuela says that the US anti-drugs campaign in the region is a pretext to overthrow Maduro and seize the country's oil reserves.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of overseeing a drug cartel.
In his phone conversation, 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.
“Iran considers Venezuela its true friend and ally and supports this country in all circumstances, especially in the current sensitive situation,” he noted.
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.”