In a statement released on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said the US actions, which are part of Washington’s interfering and unlawful policies against the Venezuelan nation, constitute a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter --particularly Article 2, Paragraph 4, which prohibits the use of force or threats against independent states-- and are a clear sign of the US government’s growing disregard for the fundamental rules and norms of the international law.
Recalling the fundamental principles of the UN Charter about respect for the national sovereignty, the right of people to self-determination, and the prohibition of use of force against the independent states, the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses solidarity with the people and government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the statement said.
The Foreign Ministry also stressed the urgent need for the UN Security Council and the UN secretary-general to address the potentially dangerous situation that threatens peace in the Caribbean region.
The statement was issued after US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of three warships off the coast of Venezuela to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after recently doubling a reward for his arrest to $50m on what the US claims are drug offences linked to cocaine trafficking.
Reports suggest that an amphibious squadron consisting of three US Aegis-class guided missile destroyers is heading to the waters off Venezuela and could arrive as early as Sunday.