Iranian Warships Dock in Brazil

Cruz declares that ship development is a “dangerous development” and a threat to America’s safety and security. Cruz reports that an Iranian military vessel Iris Makran navigates the coast of Rio de Janeiro while a Brazilian flag flutters at Copacabana Beach in Brazil on February 27, 2023. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Two Iranian warships docked at Brazil Tuesday, fueling fears about Tehran’s militarization.

After arriving in Rio de Janeiro after sunset, the two ships docked at an port. Arriving In the Panama Canal last month. The arrival of these ships—both of which are sanctioned by the United States—sets up a potential diplomatic showdown between the Biden administration and Brazil, which could face sanctions for hosting the vessels.

“The docking of Iranian warships in Brazil is a dangerous development and a direct threat to the safety and security of Americans,” Ted Cruz, Senator from Texas, told the Washington Free Beacon. “These Iranian warships are already sanctioned, and so the port in Rio de Janeiro where they docked is now at risk of crippling sanctions, as are any Brazilian companies that provided them services or accepted payments—and so are all foreign companies that entangle themselves with the port or those Brazilian companies in the future.”

As it battles against the rise of anti American dictators in Latin America, the Biden administration is faced with a problem by Iran’s military presence. Iran is trying to strengthen its relations with Latin American leaders, including Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan dictator. Iran is signaling its willingness to send warships into the region in order to show that it can confront America with its military forces.

“The Biden administration is obligated to impose relevant sanctions, reevaluate Brazil’s cooperation with U.S. antiterrorism efforts, and reexamine whether Brazil is maintaining effective antiterrorism measures at its ports,” Cruz said. “If the administration does not, Congress should force them to do so.”

The State Department Telled The Free Beacon In January, Iran indicated its desire to occupy Panama Canal. It is now closely following the situation “Iran’s attempts to have a military presence in the Western Hemisphere.”