ALWAGHT- Tehran once more denounced the US “illegal kidnapping” of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, calling for their immediate release as urged by the country’s authorities and citizens.
Iran strongly condemned the US military operation in Venezuela that led to the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, calling it a “highly dangerous” violation of national sovereignty. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that such actions contradict international law and warned that the precedent could have far-reaching repercussions for the global community. He also highlighted the UN’s responsibility to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and respond decisively to such breaches.
Baghaei reiterated Iran’s consistent stance on respecting all countries’ territorial integrity, contrasting it with what he described as European double standards. He condemned any violation of sovereignty, whether in Latin America, the Middle East, or Europe, and praised European officials, such as France’s Foreign Minister, who criticized the US operation as a violation of international law.
Regarding Iran itself, Baghaei emphasized that the country will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He accused the US and Israel of using psychological warfare, media manipulation, and economic pressure to destabilize Iran, including recent threats of military action linked to domestic protests. Authorities also acknowledged the legitimate grievances behind Tehran’s economic protests while warning against foreign-backed elements attempting to exploit them.
Baghaei highlighted the warning issued by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani to the US, stressing that any interference in Iran’s internal affairs would have serious consequences. He said the message was clearly received, underscoring Tehran’s vigilance in defending its sovereignty against external threats.
