Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's announcement to close Venezuelan airspace, describing the decision as a blatant violation of international norms and a serious threat to global aviation security.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Tehran views the measure as a breach of fundamental international law, particularly rules related to international air transport.

Baghaei stated that the decision reflects the continuation of the United States' provocative and illegal actions targeting Venezuela's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He criticized the move as a unilateral act that poses an unprecedented risk to the safety and security of international aviation.

The Iranian official warned of the grave consequences such actions may have on the rule of law, as well as on international peace and security.

Trump's post, US military presence in the Caribbean

Earlier in the day, in a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."

This statement follows his remarks two days earlier, on November 27, when he warned that US operations against alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking "by land" would begin very soon. 

The announcement coincides with a growing US military presence in the Caribbean Sea and comes at a time when Washington has conducted attacks on vessels in the region, citing anti-narcotics operations.

In response to the announcement, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro affirmed his country’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. He called on the Venezuelan armed forces to remain in a state of alert, preparedness, and full readiness to defend Venezuela’s rights amid rising US-Venezuela tensions.