What Venezuela's renewed ties with Israel could mean for Iran - analysis

Venezuela's post-Maduro government has established a consular channel with Israel, breaking from two decades of close ties with Iran. The agreement, announced after talks between foreign ministers Felix Plasencia and Gideon Sa'ar, allows consular services and continued technical cooperation following June's earthquakes. This shift may worry Tehran, as Venezuela was Iran's principal Latin American partner, with oil swaps and refinery deals. The move signals a diplomatic about-face, though full relations and embassies have not been restored.

Venezuela's post-Maduro government has agreed to establish a consular channel with Israel, marking the first such official contact in 17 years. The agreement, announced after talks between Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, allows for consular services and continued technical cooperation that began after Israel sent personnel to assist Venezuela following June's devastating earthquakes. This development signals a significant shift from Venezuela's decades-long partnership with Iran, which had become its principal strategic ally in Latin America under Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. The article notes that Iran may be concerned about its influence in Venezuela being tested, especially after two wars with Israel in the past 14 months. The piece details the history of Iran-Venezuela ties, including oil swaps, refinery deals, and a 20-year cooperation plan signed in 2022, as well as US sanctions targeting their weapons trade. The renewed ties with Israel are seen as a diplomatic about-face, though full diplomatic relations and embassies have not been restored.