In a statement on Friday, Baqaei described the American actions as a blatant violation of the fundamental principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition of threat or use of force in interstate relations.

Condemning the US’ illegal and provocative measures, the Iranian spokesperson highlighted the responsibility of the UN Security Council to prevent any act of aggression that could endanger international peace and security.

His comments were made amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas as the US has increasingly signaled it could use military means to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

US President Donald Trump has not explicitly said he is trying to overthrow Maduro. However, it would not be the first time Trump or members of his cabinet have sought to see a change in leadership in Caracas.

The US has deployed scores of military assets to the Caribbean and carried out deadly military strikes on at least five alleged drug boats with ties to cartels and criminal organizations the administration has designated as foreign terrorist organizations.

The US administration has increased the bounty on Maduro to $50 million.

On Wednesday, Trump confirmed he had authorized the CIA to operate inside of Venezuela, but he said it was to counter drug smuggling.

On Thursday, the US launched what appears to be the sixth lethal boat strike against an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea this year.