Iran's Raisi Visits U.S.-Sanctioned Trio Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Venezuela on June 12 for the start of a visit to "friendly countries" that also include Cuba and Nicaragua, all under sanctions from a common adversary, the United States. Raisi was welcomed in Caracas by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, and was due to meet President Nicolas Maduro later in the day. Before departing Tehran, Raisi had said his visit was at the invitation of the presidents of "friendly countries" Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, and was aimed at improving "economic, political, and scientific cooperation."