Why it matters:

The U.S. escalation near Venezuela heightens fears of confrontation in a region long targeted by Washington’s interventionist policies. Tehran’s warning underscores broader international concerns about the use of force, extrajudicial operations, and violations of the UN Charter.

The big picture:

Tensions between Caracas and Washington have intensified amid U.S. naval deployments and operations allegedly linked to counter-narcotics missions. Venezuela and several international bodies say the U.S. has been using these operations as a pretext to pressure the elected government of President Nicolás Maduro.

What he’s saying:

Esmail Baghaei, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran:

Called U.S. threats to use force against Venezuela’s “legal and democratically elected government” an explicit violation of international law.

Described it as a breach of the UN Charter, including:

The right of nations to self-determination

The prohibition on the use of force under Article 2(4)

Pointed to reports by international bodies characterizing U.S. attacks on Venezuelan fishing boats as extrajudicial and arbitrary killings.

Stressed the need to end the misuse of anti-narcotics operations as a justification for violating Venezuela’s sovereignty.

He further reminded the United Nations and its Secretary-General of their responsibility to prevent threats to global peace and curb “aggressive unilateralism.”

Between the lines:

Iran’s statement aligns with its longstanding opposition to U.S. interventions worldwide. It also signals growing geopolitical coordination among countries opposing Washington’s unilateral policies, particularly within Latin America.

Go deeper:

The U.S. military has repeatedly launched maritime attacks near Venezuela under the banner of anti-drug missions. Caracas, supported by several international observers, argues these operations are political tools aimed at destabilizing the government.