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'Dangerous': Iran denounces US military provocations around Venezuela

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 9:52 AM

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has denounced the United States military provocations around Venezuela as a threat to peace and security in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Tuesday, spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the US's menacing provocations targeting the Latin American nation as an indication of Washington's deploying "a unilateral approach at the international level."

"The most important rules of international law prohibit the use of force and require respect for the sovereignty of states," he said.

The remarks followed a notable escalation in the US's warlike approach towards Venezuela, which has featured its deployment of warships and military aircraft near the country.

On Sunday, the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer carrying US Marines, arrived in Trinidad, located 11 kilometers (six nautical miles) northeast off the coast of Venezuela, ahead of joint military exercises.

Since September, the US has conducted 10 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, deploying warships, drones, and warplanes, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier set to join.

Venezuela has called such moves incendiary and a prelude to further American instigation aimed at overthrowing the country's democratically-elected government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Baghaei said the provocations amounted to a violation of international law under the pretext of drug trafficking. "We consider these military movements dangerous to regional peace and security," he said.

'Iran doesn't trust Israel; retains full readiness'

Baghaei also commented on reports claiming that the Israeli regime had sent Iran messages through Russia aimed at de-escalation.

"It was Russia that raised this issue," he said, adding, "Our experience has taught us that we must always remain prepared. Our forces, having gained extensive experience, are in a state of full readiness."

"This regime and its promises cannot be trusted. Our focus remains on strengthening our own capabilities across all fields."

Iran's continued support for China's territorial integrity

Elsewhere in his remarks, the official reiterated the Islamic Republic's support for China's territorial integrity in line with a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1971.

"Respecting China's unity within the framework of this resolution is a fundamental principle for us," the official added.

The spokesman was addressing Western states' efforts at disputing China's territorial integrity, particularly regarding Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.

'No evidence of Iranian interference in Australia'

The official, meanwhile, pointed to Australia's and the Israeli regime's allegations of "Iranian involvement" towards instigation of certain incidents in Australia, saying the claims were not supported by any evidence.

"Various claims have been made by the Zionist regime to sabotage relations between Iran and Australia," he said, adding, "The entire allegation was fabricated by [the Israeli spy agency] Mossad and, unfortunately, Australian authorities also published it."

On relations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Bagahei said the two sides' cooperation and interaction were governed by a law passed by the Iranian Parliament.

"We remain a member of the [Nuclear] Non-Proliferation Treaty and carry out interactions in accordance with the parliamentary law," he noted.

The legislation passed unanimously by the parliament has required suspension of all cooperation with the body following an unlawful and unprovoked Israeli-US war on Iranian soil in June, which used an earlier IAEA Board of Governors' resolution as a pretext.

It has conditioned the resumption of cooperation with the IAEA on ensuring the safety and security of the country's nuclear facilities and scientists. It has also demanded respect for Iran's right to peaceful enrichment activities inside the country's soil.

The agency has so far stopped short of meeting the dual requirements.

Baghaei also referred to the ongoing Israeli violations of ceasefire deals in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, saying, "This situation increases the responsibility of the ceasefire guarantors."

Iran pursuing academic's complete release

Baghaei said the Islamic Republic was pursuing finalization of a recent verdict issued in France granting conditional release to Mahdieh Esfandiari.

The 39-year-old Iranian translator and university lecturer residing in Lyon was arrested by the French police over her activity on a pro-Palestine Telegram channel. On Wednesday, Baghaei said Esfandiari would be transferred from prison to a residence outside the detention facility following issuance of the verdict and would remain under supervision until her trial is held.

"We are awaiting her next court session, scheduled for December and January," the official said, adding, "We hope this process will lead to her complete release."

The spokesman said the academic's arrest took place "without any legitimate reason" and constitutes a case of arbitrary detention.

Tehran continues to extend full support to her, he added, and repeated the country's appreciation of the French court's move.

The official also said an Iranian court has issued a verdict concerning the situation of two French nationals detained in the country, without adding any further details.