Rouhani: Resistance Key to Defeating US Pressures

President Hassan Rouhani described the harsh pressure being exerted by the United States on Iran and Venezuela as a crime against humanity, saying the two independent nations will continue to stand up to the oppression. 
“Victory at the end of this path definitely belongs to resistant nations who will make America regret,” he said in a meeting with visiting Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza in Tehran Tuesday, President.ir reported. 
Tehran and Caracas are both targeted by severe US sanctions due to their refusal to comply with Washington’s wishes. 
US President Donald Trump in 2018 initiated a maximum pressure campaign against Tehran after unilaterally withdrawing from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal to push for renegotiation over a new agreement that would include more areas of Iranian activities. 
Washington has also imposed sanctions on Venezuela as part of its efforts to force the resignation of socialist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro whom it considers to have been fraudulently elected. 
Iran and Venezuela have maintained friendly relations in different sectors. 
Rouhani expressed readiness to expand mutual ties and improve bilateral cooperation in sectors, such as mining, energy, power plants, science and technology. 
"Along this line, we are prepared to hold a joint commission of Tehran-Venezuela cooperation in the near future," he said. 
The Venezuelan diplomat expressed sympathy over the martyrdom of the Iranian top commander, Major General Qasem Soleimani, who was assassinated upon the order of US President Donald Trump in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Jan 3. 
"Definitely, independent states and nations resist the enemies' pressure and plots, and protect their interests," he said, thanking Iran for its support of Caracas against American pressure.
Arreaza hailed the multifaceted relations between the two countries and called for improving mutual trade and fostering cooperation in various areas such as energy, pharmaceutical and infrastructural projects. 
He also welcomed the establishment of a joint commission for cooperation. 
The Venezuelan foreign minister arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking delegation on Sunday to meet Iranian officials. 
He held talks with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, on Monday and discussed mutual ties as well as regional and international developments.