Iran's Influence and Activity in Latin America

As we tighten the noose around the Iranian regime, we must pay close attention to where President Ahmedinejad's increasing isolated government looks for friends and resources. Within 4 years of President Ahmedinejad's election in 2005, Iran opened six new embassies in Latin America, including Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Uruguay. Iran has announced its intention to form a joint oil company with Venezuela, signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in oil activities and personnel training with Ecuador, and been awarded the right to explore 12 oil and gas blocks in Bolivia.