Venezuela backs Iran over nuclear program

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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has met Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on his four-nation tour of Latin America. At their meeting on Monday, Chavez strongly backed Iran, as tensions rise with the US over Tehran’s nuclear program.

As the West continues to exert pressure on Iran, in the US backyard, Venezuela is defending its close ally.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez holds the hand of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, during a welcoming ceremony at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday Jan. 9, 2012.

Venezuelan President Chavez argues that Iran’s nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes. As for bilateral ties, Chavez mocked concerns from Washington about his country's relationship with Iran.

The visit comes after the US imposed tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, which Washington believes Tehran is using to develop atomic weapons.

The two leaders met in Caracas, before Ahmadinejad heads to Nicaragua, Cuba and Ecuador.

On Monday, the US warned Latin American countries that it is not a time to deepen ties with Iran. It also called on the four nations to try their best to persuade Iran to change the course over its nuclear program.

However, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez dismissed the warning and denounced Washington’s attempt to dominate the world.

Analysts say beyond voicing strong criticism of the US, Ahmadinejad is also likely to look for ways to use his Latin American alliances to diminish the impact of sanctions on Iran’s oil industry.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, foreground, and Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez walk towards the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday Jan. 9, 2012.

In this photo provided by Miraflores Presidential Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, left, welcomes Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad upon his arrival at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday Jan. 9, 2012.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, shares a laugh with Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez upon his arrival at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, and Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez hold hands after the Iranian leader's arrival to Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday Jan. 9, 2012.