Russia and Iran Condemn U.S. Strikes on Venezuela as EU and UK Urge Respect for International Law
Major powers react sharply to U.S. military operation in Venezuela, insisting on sovereignty and legal norms while calling for restraint
Russia and Iran have issued strong condemnations of the United States’ reported military strikes on Venezuela, declaring the actions a breach of international law and a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty, as European and British officials urged restraint and respect for legal norms in response to the rapidly unfolding crisis.
Moscow described the reported U.S. operation as an “act of armed aggression” with “no substantive basis,” asserting that Venezuela posed no direct threat to the United States and that the use of force undermines established international order.
The Russian foreign ministry and senior officials called for urgent clarification of events and expressed confidence that the global community would distance itself from what they view as unlawful intervention.
Iran’s foreign ministry likewise condemned the strikes, characterising them as a “flagrant violation” of Venezuela’s territorial integrity and fundamental principles of international law, and appealed to the United Nations and concerned states to denounce and halt the actions immediately.
At the same time, the European Union’s foreign policy chief reiterated the bloc’s position that, while it has repeatedly stated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro lacks legitimacy, under all circumstances the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter must be upheld and restraint exercised.
The European Union emphasised its close monitoring of the situation and its prioritisation of the safety of its citizens in Venezuela.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also underscored the importance of upholding international law, saying the United Kingdom was not involved in the U.S. operation and expressing a desire to establish the facts before further comment, while stressing that all countries should respect legal norms.
Other EU member states, including Spain and Germany, echoed calls for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement, urging a negotiated political resolution to the broader crisis facing Venezuela.
The varied international reactions reflect deep concern over the implications of the military action for regional stability, legal order and the sovereignty of states in the Western Hemisphere and beyond.
Moscow described the reported U.S. operation as an “act of armed aggression” with “no substantive basis,” asserting that Venezuela posed no direct threat to the United States and that the use of force undermines established international order.
The Russian foreign ministry and senior officials called for urgent clarification of events and expressed confidence that the global community would distance itself from what they view as unlawful intervention.
Iran’s foreign ministry likewise condemned the strikes, characterising them as a “flagrant violation” of Venezuela’s territorial integrity and fundamental principles of international law, and appealed to the United Nations and concerned states to denounce and halt the actions immediately.
At the same time, the European Union’s foreign policy chief reiterated the bloc’s position that, while it has repeatedly stated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro lacks legitimacy, under all circumstances the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter must be upheld and restraint exercised.
The European Union emphasised its close monitoring of the situation and its prioritisation of the safety of its citizens in Venezuela.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also underscored the importance of upholding international law, saying the United Kingdom was not involved in the U.S. operation and expressing a desire to establish the facts before further comment, while stressing that all countries should respect legal norms.
Other EU member states, including Spain and Germany, echoed calls for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement, urging a negotiated political resolution to the broader crisis facing Venezuela.
The varied international reactions reflect deep concern over the implications of the military action for regional stability, legal order and the sovereignty of states in the Western Hemisphere and beyond.
