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Iranian military ship Iris Makran sails on the coast of Rio de Janeiro as beachgoers sunbathe on the rocks of Arpoador Beach, Brazil, February 27, 2023. Photo/REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes
BRASILIA – Brazil allowed two Iranian warships to dock in their country. The visit on Sunday (26/2/2023) was carried out after diplomatic delays and despite pressure from the United States (US).
The Iranian warships IRIS Makran and IRIS Dena have anchored in Rio de Janeiro, the deputy chief of the Brazilian Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Carlos Eduardo Horta Arentz, confirmed in the Official Gazette of the country (Diário Oficial da União).
The Iranian warships will remain in Brazil until March 4, when they depart further into the Panama Canal that divides the Americas.
The decision was taken despite US Ambassador to Brazil Elizabeth Bagley warning Brasilia not to allow the Iranian Navy access to South American ports.
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He told a news conference earlier this month that these ships “facilitate illegal trade and terrorist activities.”
He added that until now no other country has provided ports for these Iranian ships.
The Iranian warship started its journey in January, setting off from the south of Iran for a circumnavigation of the globe.
Originally, Brazil had planned to receive the ships in January, but it was postponed to appease the US.
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