Voice of America
24 May 2020, 02:05 GMT+10
TEHRAN, IRAN - Iran's president has warned the United States not to interfere with a shipment of oil bound for Venezuela after the South American nation said it would provide an armed escort for the tankers.
In a statement posted on his website, Hassan Rouhani said the United States had created ``unacceptable conditions'' in different parts of the world, but that Iran would ``by no means'' be the one to initiate conflict.
``If our tankers in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world face any problems caused by the Americans, they will face problems as well," he added. ``We hope the Americans will not make a mistake.''
Rouhani made the remarks in a call with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruling emir of Qatar, which has close relations with both Iran and the United States.
The five Iranian tankers now on the high seas are expected to start arriving in Venezuela in the coming days. They are carrying gasoline to alleviate severe fuel shortages in the country that have caused days-long lines at service stations, even in the capital, Caracas.
Venezuela said Wednesday that planes and ships from the nation's armed forces would escort the tankers in case of any U.S. aggression.
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed heavy sanctions on Iran after he withdrew the U.S. from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The administration has ramped up sanctions on Venezuela to try to force President Nicolas Maduro from power.
A force of U.S. vessels, including Navy destroyers and other combat ships, patrol the Caribbean on what U.S. officials call a drug interdiction mission. Venezuelan officials paint them as a threat, but U.S. officials have not announced any plans to intercept the Iranian tankers.
Get a daily dose of Sports Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sports Sun.
More Information(Photo credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images) Michael Lorenzen pitched seven scoreless innings and won for the first time in nearly a...
(Photo credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images) Dallas Cowboys All-Pro kick returner KaVontae Turpin is facing misdemeanor charges of possession...
(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) Mickey Moniak finished a double shy of the cycle, Michael Toglia also went deep, and the...
(Photo credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images) Yandy Diaz's go-ahead double in a three-run 10th inning enabled the struggling Tampa...
(Photo credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images) Trevor Story and Ceddanne Rafaela each homered to help the visiting Boston Red Sox complete...
(Photo credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images) Trevor Story and Ceddanne Rafaela each homered to help the visiting Boston Red Sox complete...
(Photo credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images) Dallas Cowboys All-Pro kick returner KaVontae Turpin is facing misdemeanor charges of possession...
(Photo credit: Paul Witwer/Standard-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) The Dallas Cowboys are donating $500,000 to the Salvation...
(Photo credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images) Veteran wide receiver Chase Claypool, who hasn't played in the NFL since 2023, is confident...
(Photo credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images) Since COVID-19 canceled the 2020 CFL season, the Edmonton Elks have tried multiple...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion reached into Southeastern Conference territory...
(Photo credit: Paul Witwer/Standard-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) The Houston Texans announced a $500,000 commitment...