TEHRAN – Iranian President Maud Pezeshkian and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicholas Maduro vowed to cement a strategic alliance of the nation in a call later Tuesday, pledging to deepen cooperation among all sectors while denounced the recent Israeli campaign of attacks on Iran’s major diseases.
Leaders described their partnership as an important breakwater against Western imperialism and welcomed the “shattering reaction” to Iran’s Israeli invasion.
President Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to Venezuela for his “principle, explicit and brave position” in condemning Israel’s violation of Iran’s sovereignty.
He emphasized Tehran’s commitment to diplomatic relations, saying, “The irresponsible actions of the United States and the betrayal of diplomatic paths paved the way for an attack on the Zionist regime – a clear violation of all international law.
The Washington-backed Israeli regime launched a 12-day campaign of attacks against Iran on June 13, resulting in more than 1,025 Iranians being martialed. This occurred despite continued indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, which led Iran to view US support and bombing nuclear facilities as illegal actions that “betrayed diplomacy.”
Iran retaliated on the Aldead US base in Qatar, with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting military, security and economic sites in the occupying regions.
In a call Tuesday, Maduro praised Iran’s resilience during the war. “Iran’s noble, honorable, heroic state opposed the attack and carved golden pages in history.
He further stated that Iran’s resistance “shattered the myth of Zionist invincibility,” adding confidence that diplomatic efforts would bring “great agreement and enduring peace, the natural rights of Iran and all Western Asian countries.”
Maduro’s condemnation coincides with his early global appeals urging China, Russia, Turkey and Arab countries in the Persian Gulf to “support Iran’s legal pursuit of peace” and halt the “criminal attack before it’s too late.”
Both leaders welcomed the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and as a springboard to strengthen their telephone cooperation.
Maduro declared it was “time to deepen bilateral relations and integrate strategic ties between the government and the people.”
Pezeschkian has approved the regional peace summit in West Asia and Venezuela’s initiative for peace plans, highlighting joint opposition to US hegemony.
Iran and Venezuela have solidified their alliance with the 20-year collaboration roadmap, signed in June 2022. The partnership covers energy, defense, agriculture and tourism, and hopes to significantly boost trade to its $20 billion annual target.
Iran has supported the Venezuela oil sector by repairing refineries, including the El Parito refinery, under a 110 million euro contract, and implementing oil swaps to avoid US sanctions. Combiasa’s direct flights, which began in July 2022, will further connect the nation.
Their common attitude towards American imperialism is supported by more than 270 agreements. A free trade agreement was finalized in June to eliminate and bypass Western sanctions. 289 active bilateral projects span a variety of sectors, with Iran’s exports to Venezuela reaching an estimated $40 million in 2024.
Energy cooperation includes Iranian fuel delivery and refinery repair contracts. The military ties are noteworthy, with Venezuela displaying Iran-Origin CM-90 anti-ship missiles in April 2024, with a reported range of about 90 km.