The alliance between Iran, Hezbollah, and the authoritarian regimes of Cuba and Venezuela continues to represent a significant threat to U.S. interests in the region, particularly following the escalation of conflict due to Iranian-backed attacks in the Middle East. Experts have highlighted Iran’s strategic efforts over decades to proliferate its influence in Latin America through cooperation agreements with leftist governments, marking a worrying trend of destabilization. Bolivia has emerged as a notable case, described by Joseph Humire, the executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society, as Iran’s “most successful project” in the region, indicative of the depth of Iran’s outreach and the seriousness of the threat it poses.
Hezbollah’s long-standing presence in Latin America has underscored this threat, with a history of violent actions dating back to the 1990s, including significant terrorist attacks in Argentina. The two major incidents—the bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 and the AMIA bombing in 1994—marked the group as a central player in the violent landscape of the region, as these events were the deadliest terrorist attacks before the September 11 attacks in the United States. Such historical actions have laid the groundwork for ongoing alliances and provide context for the current geopolitical climate, illustrating how Hezbollah acts as a proxy for Iran in pursuing its anti-Israel and anti-U.S. objectives.
The ideological connection between the regimes of Venezuela and Cuba and Iran has deepened, primarily through high-level diplomatic exchanges. Notably, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s visit to Tehran in 2022 and the subsequent visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Latin America in 2023 reaffirmed their mutual commitment against perceived imperialist threats. Both nations not only express allegiance to Iran but also justify its military actions against Israel, showcasing an alarming alignment of interests and ideologies. These developments indicate a coordinated effort in resisting U.S. influence and reflect a rising tide of collaborative defiance against international pressures.
Since Hugo Chávez’s rise to power in 1999, Iran has embedded itself firmly within Venezuela, with high-profile meetings between Chávez and former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad solidifying a partnership framed around shared ideologies against the U.S. The relationship has evolved into what Raisi termed a “strategic relation” characterized by common challenges and interests. The collaboration under the mantle of anti-imperialism has facilitated Hezbollah’s greater foothold in the region. The Venezuelan military, reportedly bolstered by Iranian military assets, poses increasing threats given its burgeoning capabilities in drone warfare and missile technology, potentially endangering U.S. cities like Miami.
Tarek El Aissami’s role as a linchpin in this alliance emphasizes the entangled nature of these relationships, as he has allegedly facilitated Hezbollah’s access to Venezuela. While he held high-ranking positions and is implicated in numerous corruption scandals, reports have surfaced regarding his involvement in distributing Venezuelan passports to Hezbollah members. This relationship has allowed Hezbollah operatives to navigate the Venezuelan landscape with greater ease, further entrenching the Shiite group’s criminal activities in drug trafficking and other nefarious ventures.
The Maduro regime’s increasing reliance on Iranian resources has intensified, especially following Venezuela’s socio-economic collapse. Iran’s assistance has been critical in keeping the Maduro government afloat, providing vital support with oil imports and refinery repairs amidst crippling shortages. In turn, Venezuela has reciprocated by gifting land and establishing long-term agreements to facilitate Iran’s economic ambitions within its borders. Meanwhile, Cuba’s enduring relationship with Iran, dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, showcases their solidarity against what they term “Yankee imperialism.” Together, these alliances reveal a concerted approach to counter Western influence, particularly the U.S., thus establishing a formidable axis of resistance within the region.
