Heading: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Returns from Latin America Tour, Strengthening Ties with Allies
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has recently concluded a five-day tour of Latin America, where he signed numerous agreements with three countries that share Tehran’s defiance of Western powers. The tour took him to Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, where he criticized the United States and its economic sanctions imposed on Iran and its allies in the region.
Heading: Strategic Relations Between Iran and Venezuela
During his visit to Caracas, President Raisi emphasized the strategic nature of the relations between Iran and Venezuela. He stated that the two nations have shared enemies who do not wish them to live independently, referring to Washington. The visit resulted in the signing of more than two dozen agreements, including those related to energy, maritime transport, agriculture, medicine, information technology, insurance, and cultural ties. The volume of annual bilateral trade currently stands at over $3 billion, with plans to increase it to $10 billion in the medium term and eventually reach $20 billion.
Heading: Honoring Qassem Soleimani in Nicaragua
President Raisi’s next destination was Managua, where he was welcomed by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. During a speech, President Ortega paid homage to General Qassem Soleimani, an Iranian general who was assassinated in a US drone attack in Iraq in 2020. Both leaders observed a minute of silence for the general. President Raisi criticized the sanctions imposed by Washington on Iran and Nicaragua, highlighting their resilience in the face of threats and sanctions. Several agreements were signed during the visit, covering economic and trade cooperation as well as the health sector.
Heading: Strengthening Political Engagement with Cuba
In Havana, President Raisi met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. President Díaz-Canel expressed his belief in Iran and promised to bolster political engagement with Tehran. The two countries signed six agreements, including a political cooperation roadmap. The visit also resulted in the establishment of a joint health cooperation working group, with Iran exporting drugs and medical equipment to Venezuela and Nicaragua. Iran also aims to enhance university collaboration with all three countries.
Heading: US Response and Criticism
While President Raisi strengthened ties with Iran’s allies in Latin America, the United States did not directly comment on his trip. However, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated the US’s concerns about Iran’s destabilizing behavior and stated that they would continue to take steps to mitigate it. Maria Elvira Salazar, chairwoman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere in the US House of Representatives, criticized President Biden’s Latin America policy, stating that it has allowed the world’s worst actors to penetrate the hemisphere with impunity.
In conclusion, President Ebrahim Raisi’s tour of Latin America has further solidified Iran’s relations with its allies in the region. The signing of numerous agreements and the emphasis on shared enemies and defiance of Western powers highlight the strategic nature of these relationships. While the United States expressed concerns about Iran’s behavior, critics argue that President Biden’s policy towards Latin America has been ineffective in countering Iran’s influence in the region.