Iran Backs Venezuela Against Trump’s ‘Bullying’

Iran Backs Venezuela Against Trump’s ‘Bullying’

NEWSWEEK -11-26th-2025

Amir Daftari

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned what he called the United States’ “bullying approach” toward Venezuela, issuing the remarks as President Donald Trump expands military operations across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

The statement, released Wednesday, comes amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions following past American strikes in the region, underscoring Tehran’s growing alarm over Washington’s actions and its solidarity with Caracas.

The remarks reflect an intensifying standoff as Tehran and Caracas strengthen coordination in response to what they describe as unilateral and destabilizing U.S. maneuvers.

Why It Matters

The dispute highlights an intensifying clash over Washington’s military actions near Venezuela, which U.S. officials describe as part of an anti-drug mission. Iran and Venezuela argue the operations threaten sovereignty and place additional pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Both countries remain under heavy U.S. sanctions, and their coordinated response underscores their shared opposition to American foreign policy and their continued efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

What To Know

During a call with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, Araghchi denounced U.S. threats to use force, calling them a “gross violation” of the United Nations Charter. He emphasized the need for the global community to adhere to international principles and described U.S. actions as unilateral and destabilizing.

Building on this criticism, Araghchi also referred to what he called the “Israeli regime’s activities” in the Caribbean and Latin America, warning that these developments threaten regional security and require accountability.

Venezuela’s foreign minister expressed appreciation for Iran’s positions and affirmed the Venezuelan government and people’s determination to resist U.S. interference. This exchange reinforced the two nations’ alignment and set the stage for both sides to stress the importance of strengthening their strategic partnership.

That partnership has been steadily deepening. Maduro most recently visited Iran in 2022, when the two governments signed a 20-year cooperation agreement outlining plans for expanded collaboration in energy, trade, and security. The latest diplomatic engagement builds on that visit and reflects ongoing efforts to implement those long-term commitments.