Iran and Venezuela have taken another major step toward solidifying their strategic alliance in a show of unity between two nations long critical of Western power structures. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday night in Caracas, where the two leaders engaged in a high-level dialogue that signals deepening cooperation on multiple fronts.
The meeting came just days before the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Brazil and was part of Ghalibaf’s broader Latin American diplomatic tour—an effort aimed at strengthening ties with countries that, like Iran, challenge what they describe as Western hegemonic dominance.
Upon arriving at Simón Bolívar International Airport on Sunday, Ghalibaf and his delegation received a ceremonial welcome from Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto and other senior officials. The visit was both symbolic and strategic, underscoring the importance that both countries now place on their evolving relationship.
During their Monday evening discussion, Ghalibaf and Maduro addressed economic collaboration, geopolitical alignment, and shared ideological commitments. According to Ghalibaf, both nations have resisted what he called the “arrogance” of global powers—a reference to the United States and its allies. “We have fought the same battle and shared the same enemies and allies. That gives our relationship greater depth and urgency,” he said.
The Iranian parliamentary speaker emphasized the need for deeper cooperation across various sectors, especially given the international sanctions and diplomatic isolation that both Iran and Venezuela continue to face. Venezuela, which remains in the grip of a prolonged economic crisis, has leaned on Iranian support in areas such as energy infrastructure, military equipment, and food supply chains. Iran, in turn, benefits from strategic partnerships in Latin America as it seeks to extend its diplomatic and economic influence in a region historically dominated by U.S. interests.
For Venezuela, the visit reflects a continuing pivot toward a new global order, one that is increasingly shaped by BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—with newer members like Iran now playing a larger role. President Maduro characterized Iran not only as a political partner but also as a global symbol of resistance and resilience.
Foreign Minister Gil Pinto added to that sentiment, describing Iran as a “guarantor of peace” and a model of endurance in the face of decades-long foreign pressure. “For 46 years, the Islamic Republic has endured everything from sanctions to war,” he said. “And yet, it remains standing. Their victories are our victories.”
In a gesture of symbolic solidarity, Ghalibaf’s delegation visited the tomb of Simón Bolívar, the famed liberator of much of Latin America. Signing the memorial book, Ghalibaf honored Bolívar’s legacy of anti-colonialism and national sovereignty, values Tehran and Caracas say are central to their foreign policy philosophies.
The timing of the visit is also notable. The BRICS Parliamentary Forum, taking place June 3–5 in Brasília, is expected to spotlight global economic reform, multilateral cooperation, and collective strategies for resisting Western sanctions. Iran’s participation as a full BRICS member signals its deepening commitment to multipolar diplomacy and enhanced South-South partnerships.
According to Mehr News, the strengthened alliance between Iran and Venezuela underscores a shifting world order. As both countries deepen mutual support, they present a unified front that challenges traditional geopolitical divisions and aims to elevate alternative centers of power in the global arena.
