Irans Foreign Ministry condemns the unlawful actions of the US against Venezuela

The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the threatening statements and actions of the US against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including threats of a naval blockade and preventing the lawful export of Venezuelan oil. These positions and actions represent blatant manifestations of a policy based on coercion and systematic bullying, in clear violation of well-established principles and rules of international law and the UN Charter, including freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the freedom of international trade.

The US interference with as well as its seizure and obstruction of the free passage of commercial vessels to or from Venezuela constitutes a clear case of state piracy and armed robbery at sea. Invoking the US domestic laws and unilateral, illegal sanctions to justify these actions cannot, in any way, serve as a basis to legitimize such criminal acts.

Threats, economic blockades, and the use of force against an independent member state of the UN constitute a direct violation of the fundamental principles of the world body's Charter, particularly the principles of respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of threats or use of force. No power has the right to interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs, and this country possesses, under the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, the inherent right to defend itself against any external threat or aggression.

The continuation of the US’s aggressive unilateralism against independent countries, if not responsibly addressed by the international community and the UN, will set a dangerous precedent and normalize violations of international law, which would disrupt global peace and security. Accordingly, the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, all responsible states, and relevant international bodies are expected to recognize the gravity of the current situation, condemn the unlawful and coercive actions of the US, and hold Washington accountable for its blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter.