Following Maduro's Kidnapping: Iran and Cuba Discuss Regional and International Developments

SadaNews - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez discussed bilateral relations and regional and international developments.

This came during a phone call between them on Monday evening, according to a statement issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, following the United States' kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The statement mentioned that the two ministers addressed the opportunities available to develop relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest and to enhance cooperation and coordination within international organizations.

Araqchi emphasized during the call that the American military attack against Venezuela "violates the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law."

He stressed the necessity for the international community and the United Nations to take a firm stand against these violations, and praised the Cuban people and government for their stance against economic pressures and external threats.

For his part, the Cuban Foreign Minister condemned "illegal American practices in the Caribbean and Latin America, particularly its illegal invasion of Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife."

On Monday, Trump stated that "Cuba is on the verge of collapse," referring to its difficulty in surviving without Venezuelan oil revenues.

He added in this context: "I don’t think we need to move, it seems that everything is collapsing."

Also, American Republican Senator Lindsey Graham hinted in press statements at a military operation by his country in Cuba, similar to the attack on Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, leading them to the United States.

On Saturday, Trump announced a widespread attack against Venezuela, which resulted in the arrest of its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, leading them to the United States.

Trump stated that the United States will continue to "manage affairs in Venezuela until a safe, appropriate, and reasonable transition of power" occurs there.

On Monday, the Venezuelan President rejected the charges against him during his appearance at the first court session in New York, which included charges of "leading a corrupt and illegitimate government" and "collaborating with drug traffickers."

The "New York Times" reported that Maduro said while leaving the courtroom: "I am a prisoner of war."