Iran has issued a sharp condemnation of the United States' military strikes on Venezuela, labeling the operation a "blatant violation" of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a clear breach of the United Nations Charter. The Iranian Foreign Ministry released an official statement on January 3, 2026, describing the U.S. actions as "extremely serious military aggression" that undermines fundamental principles of international law.
"The US military attack on Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic rules of international law, particularly Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the Charter, which prohibits the use of force," the ministry stated. It further characterized the strikes as "a textbook example of an act of aggression" that demands immediate and explicit condemnation from the United Nations and all states committed to upholding the rule of law, peace, and international security.
The statement reaffirmed Venezuela's "inherent right to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination." Iran emphasized the legal and moral obligation of the international community—particularly the UN Security Council—to act swiftly to halt the "illegal US aggression" and hold those responsible accountable. The ministry warned that such interventions erode the UN-based international order and threaten global stability.
Iran's condemnation aligns with its longstanding alliance with Venezuela, both nations sharing anti-imperialist stances and facing U.S. sanctions. The response comes amid a chorus of international criticism following the U.S. operation, which President Donald Trump described as a "large-scale strike" resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump announced via Truth Social that Maduro had been "captured and flown out of the Country" in coordination with U.S. law enforcement, citing longstanding narcoterrorism indictments.
The strikes, commencing around 2:00 a.m. local time on January 3, targeted military installations in Caracas and surrounding states, including Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota air base. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions, low-flying aircraft, fires, and power outages, prompting widespread panic. Venezuela declared a national state of emergency, accusing the U.S. of aggression aimed at seizing oil resources and installing a puppet regime. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded "proof of life" for Maduro and Flores.
The operation followed a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, including deployments of the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group and strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels since September 2025. U.S. officials framed it as counter-narcotics enforcement, with elite units like Delta Force reportedly involved in the capture.
Other nations echoed Iran's outrage: Russia called it "armed aggression," Cuba labeled it "state terrorism," and Colombia's President Gustavo Petro urged UN intervention. The UN Security Council was requested to convene urgently. In the U.S., bipartisan criticism focused on legality and lack of congressional approval, with some invoking risks of broader conflict.
Iran's statement reflects shared ideological opposition to U.S. interventions, with both countries supporting multilateralism and sovereignty. Analysts note potential implications for global alliances, as anti-U.S. blocs may strengthen coordination. Oil markets surged amid fears of supply disruptions from Venezuela, holder of the world's largest reserves.
As details unfold, the international community awaits U.S. clarification on casualties, Maduro's status, and future intentions. Trump's scheduled press conference may provide further insight, while Venezuela mobilizes defenses amid uncertainty.
This incident revives historical U.S.-Latin America tensions, evoking operations like Panama 1989. Human rights organizations call for investigations into proportionality and civilian impacts.
Iran's swift, forceful response underscores its role in defending allied nations against perceived Western hegemony, signaling potential diplomatic repercussions.
The condemnation also highlights concerns over escalating unilateral actions bypassing international mechanisms. With Venezuela's economy already strained, the strikes exacerbate humanitarian challenges, prompting calls for aid and mediation.
Regional dynamics shift as neighboring countries balance non-intervention with security implications. Opposition figures abroad express mixed views, some welcoming Maduro's removal while decrying the method.
Long-term, the event may influence U.S. relations with Iran and its proxies, amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Diplomatic channels buzz with emergency consultations, as the world monitors for fallout.
Iran's invocation of the UN Charter sets a legal benchmark for debates on sovereignty in an era of great-power competition. As accountability demands grow, the episode tests multilateral institutions' efficacy.
Ultimately, this development amplifies voices advocating restraint and dialogue over force, with Iran's position reinforcing solidarity among sanctioned states.
