 "United States designated the alleged Venezuelan drug cartel Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) as a foreign terrorist organisation. (Reuters)")
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned what he described as the United States’ “bullying approach” towards Venezuela, according to a statement issued on Wednesday. His remarks came as President Donald Trump increased pressure on the Venezuelan government.
The United States has deployed the world’s largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean with accompanying warships, presented officially as part of anti-drug operations directed at Venezuela. It has also carried out about 20 air strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, leaving more than 80 people dead.
Araghchi attacks US stance during call with Caracas
Venezuela argues that the US anti-drugs mission is a cover for an attempt to remove President Nicolas Maduro and take control of the country’s oil reserves. During his call with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, Araghchi described US threats to use force as a “gross violation” of the UN Charter.
Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has authorised covert CIA activity in the country while maintaining that military intervention remains an option. Both Venezuela and Iran remain under long-standing US sanctions.
Washington deepens regional engagement
Maduro visited Iran in 2022, when both governments signed a 20-year cooperation agreement. The following year, then-president Ebrahim Raisi travelled to Caracas during a tour that included Cuba and Nicaragua.
In the latest move by Washington, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is due in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday for meetings on countering drug trafficking, officials confirmed. His visit forms part of continued US pressure on Venezuela, whose leader Maduro has been accused by Washington of running a drug cartel.
Hegseth will meet Dominican President Luis Abinader, the defence minister and cabinet members “to strengthen defence relationships and reaffirm America’s commitment to defend the homeland, protect our regional partners and ensure stability and security across the Americas,” his office said on Tuesday.