TEHRAN -- Iran on Tuesday congratulated the Venezuelan government and people on the “successful and transparent” holding of important local and regional elections in the Latin American state. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh extended congratulations to the “brotherly and friendly” Venezuelan nation and government and said the gubernatorial and mayoral elections were a “beautiful manifestation of democracy and the unity between the people and the government for building a better future.” He said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its support for and solidarity with Venezuela.”