TEHRAN - Iran's Foreign Ministry has condemned the U.S. court-ordered auction of shares in Venezuela's Citgo Petroleum Corporation, calling it a violation of international law. 

In a statement released Wednesday night, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani denounced the move as an illegal confiscation and sale of Venezuelan assets, describing it as an act of revenge for Venezuela's successful resistance against U.S. sanctions. 

“The courageous and intelligent resistance and persistence of Venezuela against the cruel unilateral sanctions of the U.S., which foiled the political schemes of the White House in international circles against Venezuela, prompted Washington to exact revenge on Caracas and steal the property of the Latin American country that belongs to the Venezuelan people,” Kanaani stated.

He reaffirmed Iran's unwavering support for the Venezuelan government and people in their defense of their rights.

The auction, initiated on Monday, could see Venezuela's 113-year-old oil refiner, Citgo, placed in the hands of U.S. rivals or investors. The Houston-based refiner is legally owned by Venezuelan major energy company PDVSA. It reportedly registered a $2.8 billion profit last year and could be valued at $13 billion. 

While Venezuelan officials, including Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, have denounced the auction as a "robbery" and vowed not to recognize any "fraudulent transaction," the U.S. court has proceeded with the sale. 

Caracas stated that it will adopt "all measures at its disposal to prevent the final consummation of the seizure of Citgo" and reserves the right to take action against those who acquire, facilitate, or negotiate the shares of the PDVSA subsidiary.

Washington believes it is free to do what it wants with the oil firm, as it recognizes a "parallel government" established by former opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s state, rather than the elected government of Nicolás Maduro.