Khamenei adviser warns against Venezuela’s scenario repeating in Iran

Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, a top military aide to leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has warned that Iran’s enemies are using “hybrid threats” against his country similar to Venezuela.

“Enemies outside the region launched a series of media operations, created subversive groups on virtual networks, launched cyber wars, spread terrorist groups and imposed economic embargoes, including banning banks and the selling of oil against Iran,” he said.

Safavi said the Iranian forces are prepared to counter any offensive and foil any conspiracy against their country.

READ: Gazans demonstrate in support of Venezuela president 

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since 10 January, when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following an election which was boycotted by the opposition.

Last week, Juan Guaido, leader of Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly, abruptly declared himself the country’s acting president.

US President Donald Trump quickly recognised Guaido as interim leader, with several countries following suit, including Israel, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Paraguay.

Ankara, Tehran and Hamas have all thrown their support behind Maduro.