Axis of Unity

The Axis of Unity refers to the strategic, political, economic and ideological alliance between Iran and Venezuela. It was formed primarily to oppose "American imperialism" and United States hegemony. The alliance was forged by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, during the early 2000s. Despite the contrasting political system, Venezuela's Bolivarian socialist government and Iran's Shia theocratic Islamic Republic, the alliance continues under their successors holding the same anti-imperialist views.

Background

Formal diplomatic relations between the countries began in the mid-20th century. The bond became stronger once Chavez came to power in 1999. The alliance began as both countries holding mutual solidarity against US foreign policy, seeking to undermine national sovereignties and control strategic resources like oil. During Chavez and Khatami's presidencies, there were multiple visits to Caracas and Tehran. Chavez publicly stated his support to Iran's resistance to US influence, committing Venezuela to stand by Iran "under any conditions". In return, Iranian leaders replied with emphasizing that both countries share a joint struggle against US imperialism, and that they seek a world built on justice. During his 2007 visit to Tehran, Chávez and Ahmadinejad used the phrase "Axis of Unity" to describe a new alliance of "revolutionary states".[1][2][3]

Policy

Although Venezuela's socialist Bolivarian project and Iran's theocratic Shi'ite system are ideologically different, even contrasting, both countries have built an alliance around shared opposition to what they view as a US imperial agenda. Both of them face US sanctions and international isolation, which has pushed them to collaborate more closely. Their partnership emphasizes national sovereignty, mutual respect, and solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide. In practice, they align in rejecting US interventions, opposing Israeli statehood, and supporting Palestinian causes.[4][5][6][7]

Economics

Over the years, Iran's and Venezuela's collaboration tightened in areas such as energy, industry, trade, and defense. They initiated projects of joint oil and petrochemical ventures, technology transfers, and mutual support against sanctions. Iran has consistently supported Venezuela with essential oil shipments and industrial equipment, helping it through acute fuel shortages and US sanctions. In 2022, a 20-year cooperation pact was signed in oil, petrochemicals, and defense. Both are active in OPEC and seek to influence global oil markets collaboratively.[8][9][10]

Geopolitical significance

The "Axis of Unity" has a geopolitical significance as it represents a wider resistance coalition against US dominance. It is part of a wider move aiming for a world with several centers of influence, rather than one led by the west. Their cooperation represents a different anti-imperialist agenda, where joining forces can oppose what they see as US military interference, economic pressure, and efforts to isolate them politically.[1][11][12]

Post-Maduro Axis of Unity

The "Axis of Unity" had continued notwithstanding leadership changes in both countries up to 2025. In 2022, President Nicolás Maduro and President Ebrahim Raisi maintained close relations, continuing to cultivate the strategic relationship. They stressed resisting imperialism, protecting national independence, and working together on development projects set out in major cooperation agreements.[1][13][12]

US intervention in Venezuela (2025–2026)

See also: 2025 United States naval deployment in the Caribbean and Arrest of Nicolás Maduro

In January 2026, the relations between Iran and Venezuela were heavy affected by the American strikes on Venezuela[14] and capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.[15] Removing Maduro has weakened the Axis of Unity's partnership in oil, trade, and defense projects. Moreover, with heavier US influence following the removal of Maduro, the anti-American identify of the alliance, the distictive feature of the Axis of Unity, has significantly died down.

Although the alliance has become weaker, Pro-Iranian commentators believe that it will likely continue its cooperation more carefully, in symbolic and resilient ways.[16][17] Iran reaffirmed it's support for Venezuela and spoke out against the US on the international stage.[18] However, the US government has demanded that the Venezuelan interim authorities remove the influence of hostile countries such as China, Iran, and Russia from its territory.[19]

Sanctions-busting oil deals

Since 2020, Iran has sent fuel, diluents, and refinery support to Venezuela.[20] In return according to reports it received oil and gold, which caused claims they were evading sanctions systematically.[21][22] Between 2024 and 2025, it was reported the swap deal started breaking down because Venezuela fell behind on its deliveries. This showed the deal was both fragile and not very transparent.[23][24] In 2026, Donald Trump said it was his intention to seize over 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela following the removal and subsequent arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.[25]

The "ghost flights" and the seized 747

The Venezuela-Iran "ghost flights" were irregular cargo/passenger flights operated by sanctioned airlines (Mahan Air, Conviasa/Emtrasur) that have drawn scrutiny for suspected transfers of sanctioned cargo and personnel. The most notable case was the Emtrasur 747 grounded in Argentina in June 2022 and ultimately seized and transferred to the United States in February 2024.[26]

Military and security cooperation

Since Chavez came to power in Venezuela, drone collaboration with Iran has lead to claims that Iran had sent drones or precision weapons to Venezuela.

Deepening agreements beyond oil

From 2023 onwards, Iran has been looking to widen its collaboration with Latin America. Though visits, agreements and dispatching specialists, Iran has tried to overcome sanctions laid on it.[27][28]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Šerić, Matija (2024-07-26). "The Tehran-Caracas Axis: An Important Factor In Geopolitical Balance – Analysis". Eurasia Review. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  2. ^ "The Link between Iran and Venezuela: A Crisis in the Making?". Global Financial Integrity. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  3. ^ "Outside Players in Latin America (II): Iran (ARI)". Elcano Royal Institute. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  4. ^ "Venezuela, Iran forge anti-Western partnership of necessity". DW. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  5. ^ "Iran Reaffirms Support for Venezuela against US - Politics news - Tasnim News Agency". Tasnim News Agency. Archived from the original on 2025-08-29. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  6. ^ "Energy Sanctions Dashboard". Atlantic Council. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  7. ^ "Explainer: Iran's Relationship with Latin America". AS/COA. 2025-06-24. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  8. ^ "Under U.S. sanctions, Iran and Venezuela sign 20-year cooperation plan". Reuters. 2022-06-11.
  9. ^ "Iran, Venezuela Sign 20-Year Cooperation Pact During Maduro Visit". Iran International. 2022-06-11. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  10. ^ studies, Middle East, politics, GCC, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nuclear deal, Yemen, Trump, MENA, Turkey, Gulf Crisis, Qatar,Future for advanced research and. "مركز المستقبل - Iran's strategic relations with 'Anti-Western' countries". Futureuae (in Arabic). Retrieved 2025-11-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ "IRANIAN-VENEZUELAN RELATIONS AND IMPACTS ON THE UNITED STATES" (PDF). 2012.
  12. ^ a b Ettinger, Yoram (2025-11-10). "The Anti-US Iran-Venezuela Axis Intensified". The Ettinger Report. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  13. ^ "Iran-Venezuela relations: Presidents, postures, and pressures". Middle East Institute. 2022-08-22. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  14. ^ "US issues sanctions related to Iran and Venezuela weapons trade". Reuters. 2025-12-30.
  15. ^ "Trump says US has "captured" Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife in "large scale strike" - latest". BBC News. 2026-01-03. Retrieved 2026-01-03.
  16. ^ Ruthven, Sara. "Iran, Russia and China condemn US actions in Venezuela". The National. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  17. ^ "ONLY IN TLF: Middle East Condemns U.S. Strike on Venezuela as Reports Say Maduro Captured". The Levant Files. Facebook. 2026-01-03. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  18. ^ "Iran reaffirms support for Venezuela after US attack". Nour News. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  19. ^ Alayna Treene, Kristen Holmes, Jennifer Hansler (2026-01-07). "Trump administration demands Venezuela cut ties with US adversaries to resume oil production". CNN. Retrieved 2026-02-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ "First Iranian fuel tanker reaches Venezuelan waters without US interference". The Guardian. Reuters. 2020-05-24. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  21. ^ "Iran Is Hauling Gold Bars Out of Venezuela's Almost-Empty Vaults". Bloomberg News. 2020-04-30.
  22. ^ "Maduro to Tap Sanctioned Dealmaker to Ship Gold to Iran". Bloomberg News. 2020-05-08.
  23. ^ "Exclusive: Under U.S. sanctions, Iran and Venezuela strike oil export deal". Reuters. 2021-09-25.
  24. ^ "Venezuela's sudden policy change may stem from waning support for Maduro, sources say". Reuters. 2024-02-26.
  25. ^ "Trump says Venezuela will be 'turning over' up to 50 million barrels of oil to US". BBC News. 2026-01-06. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
  26. ^ "US says it's taken possession of a Boeing 747 that Iran sold to a Venezuelan firm". AP News. 2024-02-12. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  27. ^ Motamedi, Maziar. "Iran president secures array of agreements on Latin American tour". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  28. ^ "Iran to send experts to ally Venezuela to help with medical accelerators". Reuters. 2024-05-18.

Content Disclaimer

Informasi ini disarikan dari Wikipedia dan disajikan kembali untuk tujuan edukasi. Konten tersedia di bawah lisensi CC BY-SA 3.0. Kami tidak bertanggung jawab atas ketidakakuratan data yang bersumber dari kontribusi publik tersebut.

  1. The information displayed on this website is sourced in part or in whole from Wikipedia and has been adapted for the purpose of restating it. We strive to provide accurate and relevant information, however:
  2. There is no guarantee of absolute accuracy. Wikipedia is an open, collaborative project that can be edited by anyone, so information is subject to change.
  3. It is not intended to constitute professional advice. The content displayed is for informational and educational purposes only. For important decisions (e.g., medical, legal, or financial), please consult a professional.
  4. Content copyright. Wikipedia is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License (CC BY-SA). This means that content may be reused with appropriate attribution and shared under a similar license.
  5. Responsible use. Any risk arising from the use of information from this website is entirely the responsibility of the user.