Venezuela's allies Russia and Iran strongly condemned the U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the 3rd (local time), "This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela," adding, "This deserves deep concern and condemnation."
The ministry noted that the pretexts the United States offered to justify this action were unconvincing, adding, "Ideological hostility has overwhelmed not only businesslike pragmatism but also the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability."
It continued, "In the current situation, preventing further deterioration and finding solutions through dialogue is more important than anything else," adding, "All partners with mutual grievances must find a way to resolve issues through dialogue, and we are ready to support this."
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without "destructive external interference," adding, "We reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Venezuela and our support for the leadership's policy to protect Venezuela's national interests and sovereignty."
It added that it supports a call by Venezuelan authorities and South American leaders to urgently convene a U.N. Security Council meeting.
Russia has repeatedly said it supports Venezuela as tensions rise between the United States and Venezuela. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on the 11th. President Maduro is under arrest by the United States.
Iran, which supports Venezuela, also condemned the U.S. attack the same day. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "The U.S. military attack on Venezuela is a clear violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity," adding, "We strongly condemn it."