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TEHRAN \u2013 Iran has extended its congratulations to Nicol\u00e1s Maduro on his inauguration as President of Venezuela for a third term, expressing hopes for stronger bilateral relations between the two nations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
In a statement posted on the social media platform X on Saturday night, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei wrote, “Congratulations to President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro on his inauguration as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We wish him great success in serving his people and country and look forward to collaborating with the elected government to advance the extensive ties between Iran and Venezuela.”\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maduro was sworn in during a ceremony at Venezuela’s National Assembly on Friday, where he vowed to usher in a “period of peace” during his new six-year term. He described his leadership as a \u201cdemocratizing revolution\u201d inspired by the ideals of Latin American independence heroes and asserted his commitment to what he called an \u201ceminently democratic project.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maduro secured victory in the July 28, 2024, presidential election with 51.2% of the vote, narrowly defeating opposition candidate Edmundo Gonz\u00e1lez, who garnered 44.2%. However, the opposition, backed by the United States, alleged electoral fraud. Gonz\u00e1lez has since fled to Spain, with the U.S. recognizing him as the legitimate winner of the election.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Following Maduro\u2019s inauguration, the U.S. escalated its efforts to undermine his government, announcing an increased $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the Venezuelan president and his closest allies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
In his statement, Baqaei reaffirmed Iran\u2019s solidarity with Venezuela, denouncing \u201cmalign interventions and unilateral coercive measures led by the United States.\u201d Both nations have been subjected to extensive U.S. sanctions, which are part of broader imperialist efforts to suppress independent governments.\u00a0\u00a0
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