The Strategic Alliances Between Latin America’s Left and Iran

Over the past weekend, an unprecedented attack by Iran on Israel elicited minimal criticism from leftist governments in Latin America.

Brazil’s government, led by President Lula, called for “maximum restraint” in the Middle East, notably avoiding direct condemnation of Iran.

This response followed an alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria, which resulted in the death of a key Iranian military leader.

This lack of condemnation from Latin American leftist governments is reflective of their strong ties with Iran, which include diplomatic and military engagements.

Brazil’s inclusion of Iran in the BRICS group last year marked a significant endorsement of Iran, aligning with its broader foreign policy interests.

These relationships have raised security concerns due to their potential implications for regional stability.

Iran’s Expanding Influence in Latin America

The Atlantic Council, in 2020, detailed how Venezuela’s strategic location enhances Iran and Hezbollah’s operational reach across the Americas.

The country allegedly creates dual identities for Middle Eastern individuals, aiding the regimes of Maduro and Assad covertly.

Military cooperation deepened with an Iranian delegation’s visit to Caracas, strengthening ties established since Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution in 1999.

This geopolitical shift is not limited to Venezuela, Bolivia or Nicaragua, but extends to other Latin American countries such as Cuba, Chile, Peru, and Colombia.