Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil recently removed a statement from his social media accounts that had addressed the joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran this past Saturday, which resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The initial post, shared on his X account following the confirmation of Khamenei's death, stated, "Venezuela deeply condemns and regrets that, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations, a military approach was chosen against the Islamic Republic of Iran."
The statement, which notably omitted any direct mention of the U.S., Israel, or their leaders, further emphasized, "Venezuela reaffirms its steadfast commitment to peace, the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for sovereignty, and international law."
Just hours later, the statement was inexplicably removed from Venezuelan Foreign Ministry-related accounts.
The withdrawal of the message coincided with Tehran's official confirmation of Khamenei's death, with state media describing him as "martyred in the Zionist-American aggression."
The Iranian government has declared a 40-day period of national mourning and suspended official activities for a week.
Khamenei had held his position since 1989, wielding significant control over the Armed Forces, the Revolutionary Guard, and the nation's key institutions. His passing, along with other high-ranking officials in the Persian regime, creates a politically uncertain landscape, as the Assembly of Experts must now appoint his successor.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump told The Atlantic in an interview on Sunday that Iran's new leadership is seeking to rekindle talks with Washington, and he confirmed his willingness to engage in discussions.
The President remarked that Tehran "should have done long ago what was very easy to do" and acknowledged that several Iranian negotiators recently involved in talks were killed in the attacks.
As of now, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has not released a new official statement regarding the attack or the death of the Persian nation's supreme leader.
Impact and Reactions to Khamenei's Death
What was the content of Yván Gil's original statement?
Yván Gil's original statement expressed Venezuela's deep condemnation and regret over the military action against Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. It did not explicitly mention the U.S., Israel, or their leaders.
How has Iran responded to Khamenei's death?
Iran has declared a 40-day period of national mourning and suspended official activities for a week in response to Khamenei's death.
What has been the U.S. reaction to Khamenei's death?
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Iran's new leadership is interested in renewing talks with Washington, and he expressed his readiness to engage in discussions.