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Axis of Unity

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Axis of Unity refers to the strategic, political, economic and ideological alliance between Iran and Venezuela. It was formed primarily to oppose US imperialism and 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 theocratic Islamic Republic, the alliance continues under their successors holding the same anti imperialist views.

Background

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Formal diplomatic relations between the countries began in 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 presidency 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 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]

Political and ideological foundations

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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 the State of Israel, and supporting Palestinian causes.[4][5][6][7]

Economic and strategic cooperation

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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 transfer, and mutual support against sanctions. Iran has constantly 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

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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]

Continuing cooperation

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The "Axis of Unity" has continued notwithstanding leadership changes in both countries. As of 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] In January 2026, the axis was heavy influenced by American strikes on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro and his wife.[14]

Controversy

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Sanctions-busting oil deals.

Since 2020, Iran has sent fuel, diluents, and refinery support to Venezuela.[15] In return according to reports it received oil and gold, which caused claims they were evading sanctions systematically.[16][17] 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.[18][19]

The “ghost flights” and the seized 747.

The "ghost flights" are 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 US in Feb 2024.[20]

Military and security cooperation.

Since Chavez came to power in Venezuela, drone collaboration with Iran leading to claims that Iran has sent drones or precision weapons to Venezuela. This worries the US and regional officials, even though solid proof is often limited. Reports from governments and think tanks keep watching for possible Venezuelan requests for Iranian drones as tensions grow.[21][22]

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 tried to overcome sanctions laid on it.[23][24]

2025-2026 US operation against Venezuela

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The 2026 US action in Venezuela, especially the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, is a big setback for the Iran-Venezuela Axis of Unity. Removing Maduro weakens the leadership of the partnership and disrupts their work together in oil, money, and defense projects. This forces Iran to rethink or pause some of its activities in Venezuela.[25]

Even so, the two countries still share the same ideas and goals.[26] Iran will probably keep supporting Venezuelan leaders quietly and speak out against the US on the international stage.[27] In short, the alliance is weaker for now in practical terms, but it is not broken. It will likely continue its cooperation more carefully, in symbolic and resilient ways.[28][29]

See also

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References

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  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 – 02/24/2025". dw.com. 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". www.as-coa.org. 2025-06-24. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  8. ^ "Under U.S. sanctions, Iran and Venezuela sign 20-year cooperation plan". 2022.
  9. ^ Newsroom, Iran International (2022-06-11). "Iran, Venezuela Sign 20-Year Cooperation Pact During Maduro Visit". www.iranintl.com. Retrieved 2025-11-12. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  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. ^ "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.
  15. ^ Reuters (2020-05-24). "First Iranian fuel tanker reaches Venezuelan waters without US interference". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-11-12. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  16. ^ "Iran Is Hauling Gold Bars Out of Venezuela's Almost-Empty Vaults". 2020.
  17. ^ "Maduro to Tap Sanctioned Dealmaker to Ship Gold to Iran". 2020.
  18. ^ "Exclusive: Under U.S. sanctions, Iran and Venezuela strike oil export deal". 2021.
  19. ^ "Venezuela's sudden policy change may stem from waning support for Maduro, sources say". 2024.
  20. ^ "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.
  21. ^ Beckhusen, Robert. "Iranian Missile Engineer Oversees Chavez's Drones". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  22. ^ "Military Assets". UANI. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  23. ^ Motamedi, Maziar. "Iran president secures array of agreements on Latin American tour". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  24. ^ "Iran to send experts to ally Venezuela to help with medical accelerators". 2024.
  25. ^ Ratcliffe, Rebecca; Badshah, Nadeem; Walters, Joanna; Sedghi, Amy; Mackay, Hamish; Badshah, Rebecca Ratcliffe (now); Nadeem; Mackay (earlier), Hamish (2026-01-04). "Venezuelan leader lands in New York after capture – as it happened". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-01-04.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ "US issues sanctions related to Iran and Venezuela weapons trade". 2025.
  27. ^ "Iran reaffirms support for Venezuela after US attack". nournews. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  28. ^ Ruthven, Sara. "Iran, Russia and China condemn US actions in Venezuela". The National. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  29. ^ link, Get; Facebook; X; Pinterest; Apps, Other (2026-01-03). "ONLY IN TLF: Middle East Condemns U.S. Strike on Venezuela as Reports Say Maduro Captured". Retrieved 2026-01-04. {{cite web}}: |last2= has generic name (help)
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