The Moscow-Tehran Axis: Russia and Iran Condemn “Armed Aggression” in Venezuela
Moscow, Russia – January 3, 2026
A New Global Divide Forms.
The international reaction to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela has been swift and sharply divided, with Russia and Iran leading a chorus of condemnation against what they term “naked U.S. imperialism.”
Within hours of President Maduro’s capture, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a series of increasingly stern statements, characterizing the operation as “armed aggression” and a “blatant violation of international law.”
This political fallout highlights a widening chasm between the Western alliance and a “Global Majority” that views the U.S. action as a threat to the sovereignty of all non-aligned nations.
Russia’s Multiple-Front Response
The Kremlin’s response has been multifaceted. Initially, the Foreign Ministry demanded “immediate clarification” of reports that Maduro had been “abducted.”
As confirmation of his custody in New York grew, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly held an emergency phone call with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.
During the call, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s “mutual commitment to bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two nations, effectively signaling that Moscow does not recognize the U.S.-led transition.
The political rhetoric coming from Moscow is designed to frame the U.S. as a “destabilizing hegemon.”
Russian officials have been quick to point out the hypocrisy of the U.S. administration, which has criticized Russian actions in Ukraine while simultaneously launching a decapitation strike against a sovereign leader in the Western Hemisphere.
By framing the Caracas raid as “ideological hostility” over “pragmatic pragmatism,” Russia is positioning itself as the defender of the “Rule of Law” in a multipolar world.
Tehran’s Strategic Warning
In Tehran, the reaction has been equally fierce. Iran, which has built deep economic and military ties with the Maduro administration, views the U.S. intervention as a direct threat to its own security and its “Axis of Resistance” strategy.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while currently dealing with domestic protests, issued a statement warning that “the era of kidnapping presidents is over” and that the “oppressive powers” would face consequences for their “arrogance.”
The political concern in Tehran is that the “Venezuela Model”—a combination of heavy sanctions followed by a sudden, precision military extraction—could be the blueprint for future U.S. actions against the Islamic Republic.
Consequently, Iranian state media has been flooded with reports highlighting the “illegal” nature of the U.S. strike, aiming to galvanize domestic support by painting the U.S. as an unpredictable and violent actor on the world stage.
The Global Chasm and the UN Deadlock
The United Nations has expressed “deep alarm” over the situation, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning of the “potential worrying implications for regional security.”
However, the UN Security Council is expected to remain deadlocked. While the U.S., UK, and France may move to recognize a new transitional government in Caracas, Russia and China possess the veto power to block any formal UN recognition of a U.S.-administered Venezuela.
This deadlock creates a “Two-Venezuela” political reality: one recognized by the West and the OAS, and another (in exile or underground) supported by the BRICS+ nations.
This division not only complicates the delivery of humanitarian aid but also sets the stage for a prolonged diplomatic shadow war that could affect global trade, energy prices, and the very structure of the international order for the remainder of 2026.
Global Political Headlines:
• Russian Condemnation: Moscow labels the capture of Maduro as “armed aggression.”
• Tehran’s Stance: Iran warns of “regional consequences” following the U.S. intervention.
• UN Deadlock: Security Council remains split as Russia and China prepare to veto transition recognition.
• Sovereignty Crisis: “Global Majority” nations fear the “Venezuela Model” of regime change.
