Iranian President Begins Anti-US Latin America Tour

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has embarked on a rare tour of Latin America, beginning June 13, with a visit to the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. 

The tour, which will also include stops in Cuba and Nicaragua, serves as a strategic endeavor to strengthen ties with states that are under US sanctions.

During his visit to Caracas, Raisi engaged in discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, culminating in the signing of multiple agreements focused on trade, energy, and cooperation in sectors such as oil, petrochemicals, and defense. 

Addressing the media in a joint press conference, Raisi emphasized Iran's and Venezuela's shared interests, visions and also adversaries. "The relationship between Iran and Venezuela is not a normal diplomatic relationship, but a strategic relationship,” he said.

The diplomatic tour occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. 

The US has imposed severe economic sanctions on Iran, aiming to pressure the country into abandoning its nuclear program, and also as repercussions for human rights violations. Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes.

Raisi's visit to Latin America has been described as an effort to fortify ties with countries also facing US sanctions. Iran hopes to expand trade and economic relationships with Latin American nations.

Tehran stands as a significant international ally of Maduro's government, aligning with Cuba and Nicaragua.

Venezuela’s President Maduro said: "Iran is playing a starring role as one of the most important emerging powers in the new world," insisting that their collaboration will render them invincible.

One of the primary objectives of President Raisi's trip was to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries. 

Raisi hopes to elevate Iran's current trade volume of $3 billion per year to eventually reach $20 billion.

The two leaders jointly announced the signing of 25 agreements spanning various sectors, encompassing education, health, and mining.

President Raisi's tour of Latin America is anticipated to span several days.