Iran getting cosy with Venezuela

BACKGROUNDER:
Compiled by Bill Gertz
Growing strategic ties between Iran and Venezuela concern U.S. intelligence

U.S. intelligence officials are worried by growing ties between the leftist government of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela and Iran's Islamist regime.

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi met recently with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jesus Arnaldo Perez and discussed "U.S. threats," officials said.
Hugo Chavez.
The two ministers also declared their common interests in the Americas and the Middle East.

Perez called Iran a "strategic ally" and thanked Teheran for supporting the Chavez government. He also said Iran's "resistance against foreign powers" is an example for Venezuela.