Iran declares support for Maduro as Venezuela president

Iran has thrown its support behind Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after Washington recognized Juan Guaido, leader of the country’s opposition-held National Assembly, as Venezuela’s interim president.

“Iran opposes all foreign interference in Venezuela’s domestic affairs,” Bahram Qasemi, a spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said in a statement.

Qasemi went on to voice hope that Venezuela’s internal political disputes might be resolved “by its people and government”.

Earlier Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Washington’s recognition of Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president.

Maduro, for his part, condemned the move, saying his country would cut relations with the U.S. and giving American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Maduro made the remarks while addressing supporters who had gathered outside the presidential palace in capital Caracas.