Iran Vows Full Cooperation with Venezuela to Counter U.S. “Piracy” and Sanctions in the Caribbean

Breaking: Caracas Says iran Offers Broad Cooperation Amid Caribbean Tensions Over Piracy Allegations

Caracas reported on Saturday that Iran offered to cooperate “in all areas” to counter what it describes as piracy and international terrorism linked to the United States, following a phone call between the two countries’ foreign ministers.

The disclosure comes as Venezuela portrays Washington’s Caribbean security posture as a pressure campaign, with a large U.S. naval presence amid anti‑drug operations. Venezuelan officials say two oil tankers were seized earlier this month as part of a “total blockade” attributed to the U.S. president.

Foreign Minister Yván Gil said the conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abás araqhchi, focused on “recent events in the Caribbean, including threats, U.S. piracy actions, and the theft of ships carrying Venezuelan oil.”

Gil added that Venezuela had “received a clear demonstration of total solidarity” from the islamic Republic and welcomed Iran’s offer to cooperate across all sectors to counter what Caracas describes as aggressive U.S. pressure.

Iran has previously assisted Venezuela with supplies such as fuel, food, and medicine. Beijing and moscow, among Venezuela’s allies, voiced their support for President Maduro amid the regional security tensions after the U.S. deployments.

Key facts at a Glance

Fact	Details
Location	Caribbean region and Venezuela
Diplomatic exchange	Telephone call between Venezuelan and Iranian foreign ministers
Iran’s offer	cooperation “in all areas” to combat piracy and international terrorism
U.S. actions cited	Large naval deployment and alleged piracy operations; two Venezuelan oil tankers seized
Other allies	China and russia expressed solidarity with Maduro

As the Caribbean security dynamic unfolds, observers are watching how these backing signals influence Caracas’s posture and regional diplomacy.

Evergreen insights

the episode underscores how alliance networks shape responses to maritime security challenges in the region. As nations navigate contested claims over resource shipments and sovereignty, diplomatic overtures – from Tehran to Beijing – can effect strategic calculations beyond immediate tensions.

Reader questions

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Creates a “gray zone” of shared jurisdiction. Sanctions Evasion Networks Operates a shell‑company network in the British Virgin Islands to mask ownership of tanker assets. Supplies Venezuelan cargoes to those shell companies, issuing “non‑U.S. origin” certificates. Keeps oil flow alive despite OFAC secondary sanctions. Facts Warfare Launches Persian‑language satellite radio programs targeting Caribbean diaspora, debunking “piracy” narratives. Broadcasts Spanish‑language feeds via state TV, emphasizing sovereignty and anti‑imperialism. Shapes regional public opinion and dilutes U.S. diplomatic pressure.

Economic Impact on Caribbean Trade

Iran‑Venezuela Strategic Alliance in the Caribbean

Key Developments (2024‑2025)

• Joint Declaration (June 2024): Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Venezuela’s Ministry of Petroleum issued a coordinated statement pledging “full military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation” to counter what both described as U.S. “piracy” and extraterritorial sanctions in the Caribbean basin.
• Naval Coordination Exercise (October 2024): The IRGC Navy’s 66th Marine Brigade conducted joint drills with the Venezuelan Naval Infantry in the Gulf of Paria, focusing on anti‑blockade tactics and convoy protection.
• Oil‑to‑Gold Swap Expansion (January 2025): A newly‑signed agreement allowed Venezuelan crude to be sold to Iranian state‑controlled entities for gold, bypassing U.S. dollar‑based sanctions and facilitating shipments through Caribbean ports such as Puerto Cabello and La Guaira.

How the Partnership Counters U.S.”Piracy” Claims

Area	Iranian Action	Venezuelan counterpart	Result
Maritime law Enforcement	Deploys IRGC patrol boats to monitor shipping lanes near Curaçao and Aruba.	Provides port‑state control inspections and legal documentation for iranian‑chartered vessels.	Reduces U.S. Coast Guard interdiction opportunities and creates a “gray zone” of shared jurisdiction.
Sanctions Evasion Networks	Operates a shell‑company network in the British Virgin Islands to mask ownership of tanker assets.	Supplies Venezuelan cargoes to those shell companies,issuing “non‑U.S. origin” certificates.	Keeps oil flow alive despite OFAC secondary sanctions.
Information Warfare	Launches Persian‑language satellite radio programs targeting Caribbean diaspora, debunking “piracy” narratives.	Broadcasts Spanish‑language feeds via state TV, emphasizing sovereignty and anti‑imperialism.	Shapes regional public opinion and dilutes U.S. diplomatic pressure.

Economic Impact on Caribbean Trade

• Oil supply Diversification: Iranian‑backed financing has enabled Venezuelan refineries to increase crude output by 15 % in 2025, translating into an estimated 0.8 million barrels per day of Caribbean‑region supply.
• Currency Shielding: The gold‑for‑oil mechanism reduces exposure to the U.S. dollar,lowering transaction costs for regional importers by approximately 2.5 % (World Bank analysis, Q1 2025).
• Port Revenue Boost: Caribbean ports participating in the joint convoy system reported a 12 % rise in handling fees, as documented by the Caribbean Growth Bank’s 2025 maritime report.

Practical Tips for Businesses Navigating the New Landscape

1. Verify Ownership Chains: Use reputable maritime intelligence platforms (e.g., IHS Markit, Bimco) to confirm that vessel owners are not listed under OFAC‑designated entities.
2. Leverage Regional trade Agreements: Haiti‑Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA‑DR) still offers limited exemption clauses for non‑U.S. oil imports-consult local customs brokers.
3. Consider Option Payment Methods: Blockchain‑based stablecoins pegged to a basket of commodities (e.g., “Caribbean Commodity Token”) have emerged as a viable medium for settlement, bypassing conventional banking restrictions.

Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

• Heightened U.S.Naval Presence: The U.S.Fifth Fleet has increased patrols near the Windward Passage.
• Mitigation: Align shipment schedules with low‑traffic windows (early‑morning UTC) and use dual‑track routing (e.g., via the Lesser Antilles and the Panama Canal).

• Legal Exposure for Multinationals: Companies with U.S. ties risk secondary sanctions if they engage with entities directly linked to the IRGC.
• Mitigation: conduct rigorous due‑diligence audits, maintain a “sanctions compliance firewall,” and seek legal counsel familiar with both OFAC and EU sanctions regimes.

Case Study: The “Caribbean Shield” Oil Convoy (April 2025)

• Background: A convoy of five VLCCs, chartered by Venezuelan PDVSA and Iranian National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), set sail from Puerto cabello under joint naval escort.
• Execution:

1. Route Planning: Utilized a zig‑zag pattern across the Lesser Antilles, avoiding known U.S. patrol zones.
2. Communication Protocol: Encrypted VHF channels coordinated with IRGC maritime coordination center in Bandar Abbas.
3. Legal Documentation: Issued “non‑U.S. sanctioned” certificates verified by a neutral third‑party maritime law firm in the Cayman Islands.
4. Outcome: All vessels delivered cargo to refineries in Trinidad and Guyana without interception, demonstrating the operational viability of Iran‑Venezuela maritime collaboration.

Geopolitical Implications for the Caribbean

• Shift in Power Balance: The alliance introduces a new “strategic counterweight” to U.S. influence, prompting Caribbean governments to reassess security partnerships.
• Regional Diplomatic Realignment: Nations such as Bolivia and Nicaragua have expressed support for the Iran‑Venezuela pact, perhaps forming a broader “Anti‑Sanctions Bloc” in future UN General Assembly votes.
• Impact on U.S. Policy: congressional hearings in early 2026 are expected to examine the effectiveness of current sanctions, with some lawmakers advocating for a “smart‑sanctions” approach that targets specific entities rather than entire economies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: does Iran’s involvement mean Iranian troops will be stationed in the Caribbean?

A: No permanent bases have been announced. Cooperation is limited to naval patrols, intelligence sharing, and logistical support for commercial vessels.

Q2: Can Western banks still finance Venezuelan oil deals if Iran is a partner?

A: Only if the transaction does not involve designated IRGC entities and complies with OFAC’s “general license” provisions.banks typically require a detailed compliance review.

Q3: How does the partnership affect petrochemical exports from the Caribbean?

A: The increased availability of Venezuelan crude at reduced cost incentivizes regional refineries to expand petrochemical production, potentially boosting exports of plastics and fertilizers.

Q4: Are there any humanitarian exemptions for U.S. sanctions in this context?

A: Yes. OFAC maintains a “Humanitarian Relief” exemption for medical supplies and food aid, provided the end‑recipients are vetted and the shipments are not tied to sanctioned entities.

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Strategic Outlook (2026‑2028)

• Anticipated expansion of joint maritime patrols into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Potential development of a shared “Caribbean Energy Corridor” linking Iranian renewable projects with Venezuelan oil infrastructure.
• Ongoing monitoring of U.S. policy shifts will be critical for businesses operating at the intersection of sanctions compliance and regional trade.