Tehran, December 10, 2025 – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sharply condemned the United States on Tuesday for deploying a large naval force in the Caribbean, describing the move as “entirely illegal, a blatant violation of international norms, and a dangerous precedent that threatens global peace and security.”
In a telephone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s full solidarity with Caracas and pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially during what he called “these sensitive conditions.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers Venezuela a true friend and ally,” Pezeshkian said, according to a statement from the Iranian presidency. “We stand with the government and people of Venezuela in defence of their sovereignty, security, and stability.”
He accused Washington of sending “a war fleet under baseless pretexts” and warned that such actions set a perilous example for the world. Pezeshkian praised the unity of the Venezuelan people, saying that “the stronger the unity of the Venezuelan nation, the more discouraged their adversaries will become,” and wished the country peace, progress, and security in the year ahead.
For his part, President Maduro thanked Iran for its unwavering support, describing the two nations’ relationship as a model of cooperation and mutual development. He called the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean “provocative and contrary to the United Nations Charter,” rejecting Washington’s accusations of drug trafficking and mass migration as fabrications that have been dismissed both internationally and by the Venezuelan people.
“Venezuela remains committed to defending its peace and independence. We are stronger and more united than ever,” Maduro declared. He sent warm greetings to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian people, and affirmed that both countries will continue close coordination to promote peace and development.
The call is the latest in a series of high-level contacts between Tehran and Caracas in recent months, underscoring the resilience of their strategic partnership despite intense pressure from the United States.
The two countries have deepened ties since the early 2000s, with cooperation spanning energy, agriculture, housing, defence technology, and sanctions-evasion mechanisms. In 2022 they signed a 20-year cooperation agreement covering oil refining, petrochemicals, food security, and military-technical collaboration.
Iran has supplied Venezuela with gasoline, refinery spare parts, and technical expertise during periods of acute fuel shortages, while Venezuela has provided Iran with heavy crude and served as a key partner in bypassing Western financial restrictions.
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused the Maduro government of turning Venezuela into a narco-state and a safe haven for transnational criminal organisations. Since late summer 2025, the U.S. has positioned a powerful naval task force — led by the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford — in international waters near Venezuela, conducting dozens of operations against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
Caracas and its allies, including Iran, Russia, Cuba, and Nicaragua, have denounced the U.S. presence as a prelude to military intervention and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
As tensions continue to rise in the Caribbean, Tuesday’s conversation between Pezeshkian and Maduro signals that the Tehran has no intention of abandoning its closest Latin American partner and is prepared to deepen their alliance in the face of mounting American pressure.
