Iran, Cuba unite against US "aggressive imperial policy"

The presidents of Iran and Cuba have pledged to confront the United States’ “aggressive imperial policy.” President Miguel Diaz-Canel of Cuba welcomed President Ebrahim Raisi to Havana, where they discussed the challenges posed by US sanctions and reaffirmed their commitment to standing against US imperialism and its allies.

During the meeting, President Diaz-Canel highlighted the resilience of both nations in the face of sanctions, pressures, threats, blockades, and the perceived indifference of the United States and its allies. Notably, Cuba and Iran are among the countries targeted by US sanctions, and they also feature on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The joint commitment to cooperation was underlined by the signing of several memoranda in various fields, including customs, telecommunications, and justice. These agreements aim to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate collaboration between the two nations.

Earlier in the day, President Raisi attended a business forum, where he emphasized Iran’s willingness to collaborate with communist Cuba in areas such as science, technology, hydroelectric and thermoelectric plants, as well as mining. The Iranian president’s visit to Cuba concluded his tour of “friendly countries,” which included Nicaragua and Venezuela, both of which are also subject to US sanctions. Raisi described these nations as having “common enemies” and maintained close alliances with Russia, which is currently involved in a conflict with Ukraine.

In Venezuela, President Raisi and Nicolas Maduro announced the signing of 25 agreements covering various sectors, including education, health, and mining. The aim of these agreements is to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen ties between the two nations.

In Nicaragua, President Daniel Ortega and President Raisi also expressed their commitment to deepening trade and exchange. They signed a “basic memorandum” that seeks to boost economic, commercial, and scientific-technical cooperation between the two countries. President Ortega has previously supported Iran’s right to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and questioned the moral authority of Western powers in prohibiting Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The joint efforts of Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to strengthen their relationships and counter US policies reflect the evolving dynamics in international politics. These nations aim to foster closer ties and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation in the face of common challenges and shared objectives.