Iran's embassy in Caracas on Saturday condemned the Norwegian Nobel Committee for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, citing her support for Israel's war on Gaza and for US strikes in the Caribbean.
"Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to someone who justifies the genocide in Gaza and advocates for military aggression against 🇻🇪 is yet another example of the West’s divisive and interventionist mentality toward the developing world," the embassy said in a post on X.
"This choice is nothing but a mockery of the true meaning of 'peace.'"
The Nobel Committee on Friday awarded the Peace Prize to Machado, recognizing her role in "promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
The 58-year-old opposition leader, who remains in hiding, has been barred by Venezuelan authorities from running for office against President Nicolás Maduro.
In a message on X, Machado said her movement was “on the threshold of victory” and counted on “President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world” as allies in the fight for “freedom and democracy.”
"I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!"
'Mountain gave birth to mouse'
Iran's culture minister also slammed the Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision to award the prestigious prize to Machado.
“Prominent figures such as Albert Schweitzer, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Mandela, and others have previously received the Nobel Peace Prize, but for years now, such names have been absent," Abbas Salehi said in a post on X.
"And this time again, the mountain labored and gave birth to a mouse — a winner who dedicated her prize to Trump!!”
However, Iranian dissident Nobel laureates Shirin Ebadi and Narges Mohammadi praised the Nobel committee for honoring Machado, saying her courage and leadership serve as an inspiration for Iran’s pro-democracy movement.
The two prominent Iranian rights defenders drew parallels between Venezuela’s democratic movement and their own struggle for change in Iran, emphasizing shared aspirations for freedom and resistance to authoritarian rule.
“She is one of the most deserving recipients,” said Ebadi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.
She described Machado as the woman “who succeeded in uniting Venezuela’s opposition,” adding that her political leadership “can offer valuable lessons for Iran’s opposition.”
Ebadi said Machado’s model of unity and courage “should be a role model for the Iranian opposition.”
Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi also commended Machado as "a tireless champion of democracy and dignity in Venezuela, and a beacon of hope to freedom-loving people around the world."
"Iranians stand with the people of Venezuela in their struggle. Soon, both our nations will be free," Pahlavi said on X.
