The Venezuelan government announced it had received a proposal for broad cooperation from Iran following the seizure of two oil tankers transporting crude by U.S. authorities off its coast. The statement comes as Washington continues its maximum pressure policy against Caracas, accused of circumventing international sanctions through maritime shipments.
Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Yván Gil stated that the phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi focused on recent events in the Caribbean, notably U.S. military operations and the confiscation of merchant vessels. He described these actions as “piracy” and “international terrorism” directed against Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Consolidated diplomatic partnership
In its report, Tehran reaffirmed its support for the current Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, while refraining from repeating Caracas’s terminology. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the “solidarity” between the two nations and their shared willingness to strengthen bilateral ties. However, no specific measures or cooperation timeline were announced.
Iran has remained one of Venezuela’s most consistent partners, particularly since the intensification of U.S. sanctions. In recent years, Tehran has delivered fuel, food and medicines to the South American country, whose oil-dependent economy remains under severe strain. A 20-year cooperation agreement was signed in 2022, formalising this strategic rapprochement.
Heightened tensions in the Caribbean
Washington justified the tanker seizures as part of its counter-narcotics efforts in the region, under a naval deployment operation around the Caribbean. This initiative falls under a series of measures implemented during Donald Trump’s presidency, which imposed a full embargo on Venezuelan oil exports.
Venezuela sees the seizures as an attempt to block its energy resources, as access to international markets remains vital to its economy. In response, Caracas has increased partnerships with its geopolitical allies. In addition to Iran, China and Russia have expressed diplomatic support, though they have not directly intervened in the matter of the intercepted ships.
Energy alliances under sanctions
The renewed diplomatic contact between Tehran and Caracas comes less than a month after their last known exchange. This continuity reflects both countries’ intent to bypass restrictive measures by relying on durable bilateral alliances. However, the concrete effects of this cooperation on oil flows and energy logistics remain uncertain in a closely monitored international environment.
Their ability to maintain exchanges under such conditions will largely depend on how effectively they can operate outside traditional financial and maritime systems, which are often subject to U.S. influence.
