Iran Warns Venezuela of US’ Intent behind Conciliatory Gesture
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The president of Iran cautioned Venezuela that Washington’s main purpose in reaching out to Caracas is to gain access to the Latin American nation’s energy resources.
In a meeting with Venezuela’s new ambassador to Iran on Sunday, Raisi said the independence-seeking spirit of Venezuelans has turned them into a sublime nation in Latin America.
The president also warned that the enthusiasm that the American officials have recently shown for reconciliation with Venezuela does not result from amity, but indicates the US’ need for the energy resources of Venezuela.
Raisi further highlighted the fruitful agreements signed during Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s official visit to Tehran in June 2022, calling for the implementation of the deals.
For his part, Jose Rafael Silva Aponte expressed Venezuela’s gratitude to the Iranian government and nation for their support.
The new envoy pledged that he will do his utmost during his tenure to strengthen the economic relations between the two countries.
Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with the US in 2019, after Washington recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president instead of re-elected Maduro. Washington also imposed crippling sanctions on Caracas, targeting the country's oil and financial industries.
Later in 2022, the White House sent envoys to Caracas for negotiations, while easing sanctions on Venezuela after some progress in government talks with the opposition, notably allowing US oil giant Chevron to operate in the Latin American state in principle for six months.
Last week, Maduro said in an interview that Venezuela is ready to move towards a process of normalization of relations – diplomatic, consular, political – with the US government and any others that may follow.
