Since 1975
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Home
  • Middle East
  • Iran warns US not to interfere with Venezuela oil shipment

Iran warns US not to interfere with Venezuela oil shipment

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned of retaliatory measures against the US if Washington caused problems for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela. (Iranian Presidency via AFP)
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned of retaliatory measures against the US if Washington caused problems for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela. (Iranian Presidency via AFP)
Short Url:
23 May 2020 10:05:54 GMT9
23 May 2020 10:05:54 GMT9
  • Five Iranian tankers now on the high seas are expected to start arriving in Venezuela in the coming days

TEHRAN: Iran’s president on Saturday warned the United States not to interfere with a shipment of oil bound for Venezuela after the South American nation said it would provide an armed escort for the tankers.

In a statement posted on his website, Hassan Rouhani said the United States had created “unacceptable conditions” in different parts of the world, but that Iran would “by no means” be the one to initiate conflict.

“If our tankers in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world face any problems caused by the Americans, they will face problems as well,” he added. “We hope the Americans will not make a mistake.”

The five Iranian tankers now on the high seas are expected to start arriving in Venezuela in the coming days. They are carrying gasoline to alleviate severe fuel shortages in the country that have caused days-long lines at service stations, even in the capital, Caracas.

Venezuela said Wednesday that planes and ships from the nation’s armed forces will escort the tankers in case of any US aggression.

President Donald Trump imposed heavy sanctions on Iran after he withdrew the US from Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The administration has ramped up sanctions on Venezuela to try to force President Nicolás Maduro from power.

A force of US vessels, including Navy destroyers and other combat ships, patrol the Caribbean on what US officials call a drug interdiction mission. Venezuelan officials paint them as a threat, but US officials have not announced any plans to intercept the Iranian tankers.

AP

Most Popular
Recommended

return to top