Colombia: Venezuela wants to buy missiles from Iran

Colombia’s president says Venezuela wants to buy missiles from Iran and put them in the hands of Colombian rebels.

Iván Duque said on Thursday, August 30, that the Nicolas Maduro government wants to purchase missiles from the Islamic Republic and, along with Russian and Belarusian weapons, place them at the disposal of Colombian paramilitary and rebel groups.

His remarks came hours before the United States requested the return of all international sanctions against Iran from the UN Security Council.

The United States says Iran’s arms sanctions should be renewed, an issue previously raised in the Security Council that did not receive sufficient votes. Subsequently, the US said it would activate the “snapback mechanism” in the JCPOA against Iran, which would restore all sanctions against Iran.

Colombia, among 50 countries worldwide, does not officially recognize the Maduro presidency and has called him a dictator, recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the leader of Venezuela.

Duque said that information from international intelligence organizations has reached Colombia’s government showing that Venezuela is seeking to purchase Iranian missiles and Russian and Belarusian weapons to place at the disposal of Colombian paramilitaries.

He said that Iranian missiles have not yet entered Venezuela, but the country wants to purchase medium and long-range missiles from Iran.

Three months ago, Iran sent 1.5 million barrels of gasoline to Venezuela and revived part of the country’s disabled capacity.

The Islamic Republic also recently sent 1.1 million barrels of gasoline to Venezuela, which was seized by the United States. Last month, Iran also opened a large store in Venezuela. The United States says Venezuela delivered 9 tons of gold to Iran via Mahan Airlines flights.

Source: Radio Farda