US: Venezuela gives gold to Iran in exchange for oil aid
A US government official said on Thursday, May 1, that Venezuela is likely to give gold to Tehran in exchange for Iranian aid to repair and rebuild the country's oil industry.
According to AFP, Elliott Abrams, the US government's special representative for Venezuela, speaking at the conservative Hudson Institute think tank in Washington, said: "Iran has been sending more and more planes to the South American country this week."
The US government's special representative for Venezuela added, "Our guess is that they will receive gold."
Elliott Abrams continued: "These planes that go from Iran to (Venezuela) carry equipment for (this country's) oil industry and in return for these services, they return gold."
This US government official pointed to Iran's role in supporting the government of Nicolas Maduro and said that the type of support Iran provides is different from the support China and Russia provide for the Venezuelan government.
He added: "The reason for raising this issue was not only to show that Iran is playing an increasing role, but also to receive cash."
Eliot Abrams says that Nicolas Maduro asked China and Russia for more loans last year, but has not received a cent so far.
Informed sources have also told Bloomberg News that the Venezuelan government has sent 9 tons of gold, equivalent to $500 million, by plane to Tehran in exchange for Iran's assistance in restarting the country's paralyzed refineries.
In this context, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday called on countries around the world to close their airspace to Mahan Air flights.
Mike Pompeo had said: "These flights should be stopped and countries should not allow Mahan planes to pass through their airspace, just as many countries have revoked landing permits for this airline."
Over the past year, the Donald Trump administration has put "maximum pressure" on the government of Nicolas Maduro to step down in favor of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.
The United States and European countries say that Nicolas Maduro remained in power in 2018 by preventing his opponents from participating in the electoral process. Juan Guaido is recognized as the legitimate president of Venezuela by the United States and more than 50 other countries.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported last week that as US pressure increased on the government of Nicolas Maduro, he asked Iran for help in producing gasoline, and Tehran sent refining materials to the country.
The news agency, citing its sources, wrote that Mr. Maduro has turned to Iran to prevent gasoline shortages in this oil-rich South American country.
Source: Radio Farda
