Iran’s president has warned the United States not to interfere with a shipment of oil bound for Venezuela after the South American nation said it would provide an armed escort for the tankers.In a statement posted on his website, Hassan Rouhani said the United States had created unacceptable conditions'' in different parts of the world, but that Iran wouldby no means” be the one to initiate conflict.If our tankers in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world face any problems caused by the Americans, they will face problems as well,” he added.We hope the Americans will not make a mistake.”Rouhani made the remarks in a call with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruling emir of Qatar, which has close relations with both Iran and the United States.FILE – A view of a vessel, the Clavel, sailing on international waters crossing the Gibraltar stretch, May 20, 2020. Five Iranian tankers likely carrying gasoline and similar products are now sailing to Venezuela from Iran.The five Iranian tankers now on the high seas are expected to start arriving in Venezuela in the coming days. They are carrying gasoline to alleviate severe fuel shortages in the country that have caused days-long lines at service stations, even in the capital, Caracas.Venezuela said Wednesday that planes and ships from the nation’s armed forces would escort the tankers in case of any U.S. aggression.U.S. President Donald Trump imposed heavy sanctions on Iran after he withdrew the U.S. from Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The administration has ramped up sanctions on Venezuela to try to force President Nicolas Maduro from power.A force of U.S. vessels, including Navy destroyers and other combat ships, patrol the Caribbean on what U.S. officials call a drug interdiction mission. Venezuelan officials paint them as a threat, but U.S. officials have not announced any plans to intercept the Iranian tankers.
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