In a telephone conversation on Saturday night, Araqchi and his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil Pinto discussed the latest developments following the US military aggression against Venezuela.

The Iranian foreign minister, while strongly condemning the US military aggression against Venezuela and the abduction of the country’s legitimate president and his spouse, described the move as a clear instance of state terrorism and an overt violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and the national will of its people.

Araqchi also emphasized Iran’s support for the people and the elected government of Venezuela.

For his part, the Venezuelan foreign minister expressed appreciation for the principled positions of Iran in declaring solidarity with Venezuela.

He said the people and government of Venezuela are determined to defend their national sovereignty and their right to self-determination in the face of the bullying and unlawful policies of the United States.

After months of threats and pressure tactics, the US on Saturday bombed Venezuela and toppled its president, Nicolas Maduro, who was seized and taken to a detention center in New York, where he will be put on trial.

Maduro arrived on Saturday evening at an American military base after his “capture” by the US forces in Caracas.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has slammed the “kidnapping” of Maduro, saying he is “the only president of Venezuela”.

US President Donald Trump said Washington will “run” Venezuela and tap its vast oil reserves, but he gave few details on how the US will do this.

The United Nations Security Council is due to meet on Monday on the matter, with Secretary General Antonio Guterres saying the US actions set “a dangerous precedent”.