Are Sanctions Imminent Over Alleged Weapon Trade Between Iran and Venezuela?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Washington, Dec 31 (NationPress) The US government has imposed sanctions on 10 entities and individuals located in Iran and Venezuela, alleging that Tehran is supplying conventional weapons to Caracas, posing a threat to US interests throughout the Western Hemisphere, including the US homeland.
According to separate announcements from the US Department of State and the US Department of the Treasury, a Venezuelan firm involved in the sanctions was reported to have engaged in the sale of combat unmanned aerial vehicles designed by Iran, amounting to millions of dollars, as noted by the Xinhua news agency.
Earlier on Monday, US President Donald Trump issued a warning that Iran may face consequences “more powerful than the last time” if it resumes prohibited military activities, while also expressing a willingness to re-engage diplomatically with Tehran.
“Iran may be behaving badly,” Trump stated during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “But if it's confirmed… consequences will be very powerful,” he added in response to questions.
Trump indicated that intelligence suggested Iran might be searching for alternative sites following previous US military strikes.
“The sites were obliterated, but they're looking at other sites,” he remarked. “If they're doing that, they're making a big mistake.”
When asked if the US would support bilateral talks with Iran, Trump responded, “Yeah. I would. Sure.”
He recounted that he had previously advocated for negotiations before tensions escalated.
“I said, let's negotiate and they didn't believe what was going to happen would happen,” Trump noted. “Now they believe me.”
Trump emphasized that reducing Iran’s influence is crucial for achieving broader regional peace.
“If they build up, there can't be peace in the Middle East,” he asserted.