Iran Warns of 'Dangerous Repercussions' From U.S. Military Buildup Near Venezuela

Iran has warned that the expanding U.S. military presence in the Caribbean poses "dangerous consequences" for regional peace and security, escalating a growing international debate over American operations near Venezuela.

The statement comes as both Tehran and Caracas accuse Washington of violating sovereignty and threatening the use of force.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the U.S. deployment, which has included repeated lethal strikes on vessels Washington claims are tied to drug trafficking, "affect peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean," according to remarks carried by Iran's state news agency and reported by Europa Press. Baqaei said any threat against Venezuela's "legitimate and elected government" violates international law and contravenes the U.N. Charter's prohibition on the use of force.

Baqaei also urged the United Nations and Secretary-General António Guterres to prevent further escalation, warning against what he called "aggressive multilateralism." He said U.S. strikes have been described by international bodies as "extrajudicial and arbitrary executions," and called for an end to actions that "violate national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The Venezuelan government quickly welcomed the statement. Foreign Minister Yván Gil said President Nicolás Maduro conveys his "sincere gratitude" to Iran for its warning about the U.S. military buildup, adding that Tehran's position "reinforces our commitment to defend the truth, our legitimate right to self-defense, and the search for peace." Gil said Iran's solidarity highlights the need to uphold "the sovereignty of our nation."

The exchange comes amid rising tensions triggered by the deployment of U.S. naval assets and thousands of troops to the Caribbean as part of expanded operations against alleged drug networks. Venezuelan officials have described the buildup as preparation for possible military action, while the Trump administration has said its objective is counternarcotics enforcement.

According to internal U.S. documents cited by Defensa.com last week, Venezuela has requested military equipment from Iran, including drones with ranges up to 1,000 kilometers, GPS jammers, and passive detection systems. The report says the request was coordinated in Tehran by Venezuela's Transportation Minister Ramón Celestino Velásquez as part of a broader effort to increase defensive capabilities.

Venezuela has also strengthened ties with Russia and China, receiving new air-defense systems from Moscow and increasing joint training exercises. Analysts in the region warn that the combination of the U.S. buildup, Venezuelan mobilization, and deepening partnerships with Iran and Russia risks widening the confrontation.

Amid this escalation, Iran's call for restraint reflects its long-standing alliance with Caracas and its broader criticism of U.S. security policy. "The use or threat of force," Baqaei said, represents "a clear violation of law" that the international community must address.