Ebrahim Raisi of Iran boosts Nicaragua ties on tour of US-sanctioned countries

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who is currently touring Latin American countries under US sanctions, has visited Nicaragua and expressed his commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations. Raisi, whose own country is also sanctioned by the United States, initiated his tour in Venezuela before arriving in Nicaragua, with plans to visit Cuba as well.

During a speech before the National Assembly in Nicaragua, Raisi stated, “We are willing to share our capabilities and experiences with the brotherly and friendly country of Nicaragua,” highlighting the close bond between the two nations despite the geographical distance. He emphasized their shared history of struggle, resistance, revolutions, and combat against a common adversary.

In Venezuela, Raisi and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro signed 25 agreements spanning various sectors, including education, health, and mining. In Nicaragua, the focus was on deepening trade and exchange between the two countries.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega confirmed the signing of a “basic memorandum” with Raisi, outlining steps to enhance bilateral cooperation. The memorandum includes the establishment of a binational commission aimed at promoting economic, commercial, and scientific-technical collaboration.

Ortega has previously expressed support for Iran’s right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and questioned the moral authority of Western powers to prohibit Iran from possessing nuclear weapons, stating his stance in February.