Iran declares support for Maduro as Venezuela president

<p>By Muhammet Kursun</p> <p>TEHRAN (AA) – Iran has thrown its support behind Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after Washington recognized Juan Guaido, leader of the country’s opposition-held National Assembly, as Venezuela’s interim president.</p> <p>“Iran opposes all foreign interference in Venezuela’s domestic affairs,” Bahram Qasemi, a spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said in a statement.</p> <p>Qasemi went on to voice hope that Venezuela’s internal political disputes might be resolved “by its people and government”.</p> <p>Earlier Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Washington’s recognition of Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president.</p> <p>Maduro, for his part, condemned the move, saying his country would cut relations with the U.S. and giving American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.</p> <p>Maduro made the remarks while addressing supporters who had gathered outside the presidential palace in capital Caracas.</p>