The United States' attacks on Venezuela is a clear violation of the country's national sovereignty and international law, Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Iran, said at a press conference in Tehran on Monday.
Commenting on the January-3 U.S. military actions against Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Baghaei warned that repeated violations of national sovereignty by the U.S. pose a serious threat to the postwar international order.
Baghaei stressed that the forcible control of one country's president by another country is illegal and unacceptable, adding that the Venezuelan president must be released.
When commenting on the United States accusations of "crimes" against Maduro, Baghaei emphasized that under no circumstances can a country's domestic laws be used as a basis for violating another country's sovereignty. He said such claims are merely a cover and false justification for illegal actions by the United States.
"Violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries is unjustifiable under any circumstances. The actions of the United States run counter to international laws and regulations. Such practices will have negative consequences for the entire international community. The Charter of the United Nations and contemporary international law are a result of humanity's shared experience after the two World Wars. Therefore, the actions of the United States should be condemned and opposed by the international community, and all parties involved must bear full responsibility for their actions," said Baghaei.
Baghaei also said that Iran must remain vigilant against psychological warfare and media manipulation by the United States and Israel aimed at pressuring Iran.
He said Iran is fully prepared and closely monitoring developments to safeguard its national interests. He added that Iran's armed forces will continue to strengthen combat readiness and maintain a high level of alert to defend the country's territorial security.
U.S. attacks on Venezuela clear violation of national sovereignty, international law: Iranian spokesman
U.S. attacks on Venezuela clear violation of national sovereignty, international law: Iranian spokesman
