Iran has reacted to the flare up of tensions and violence in Venezuela by reiterating its support for the embattled president Nicholas Maduro, but also calling for negotiations between the opposing sides.

Earlier on Tuesday, opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a “final phase” to push out Maduro and called for the people and the military to support the constitution.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said, “Unrest and chaos in no way can solve political differences in Venezuela”.

He added, “The best path is to start talks and establish the necessary mechanisms between all sides for solving the problems facing the people by forces loyal to progress and the well-being of the country, under the leadership of the lawful government in Venezuela”.

From the start of Guaido’s open challenge to Maduro for the presidency, Iran along with Russia, China and Turkey have supported the incumbent.

Guaido, who has declared himself president is supported by the United States and fifty other countries around the world.