U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, a Republican from Florida, spoke out about Iran on Wednesday and warned that other nations -- including Venezuela -- were backing that country’s nuclear ambitions.

“Iran continues to avoid basic inspections and stockpile enriched uranium,” said Mack. “These actions make it very clear that Iran remains a true threat to international stability and is determined to develop nuclear capability no matter what. And what is even more egregious is that nations such as Russia, Venezuela and Turkey continue to assist Iran in this dangerous goal.

“Among the violators, Russia and Turkey have entered into trade deals that violate the U.S.-led sanctions on Iran’s oil and gas sector,” added Mack. “Venezuela touts that it is ‘at the service of Iran’ and continues to sell the country gasoline. Even Cuba’s Fidel Castro is getting into the fray, speaking out against the U.S. sanctions and spreading fear that the U.S. and Israel are trying to start a nuclear confrontation with Iran. Castro is using this dangerous situation for personal gain – as he has done in many public appearances as of late.

“This has got to stop,” said Mack.  “It’s time true leaders take the stage and speak out against these reckless nations who continue to violate the sanctions and weaken security for all. The United States will not tolerate Iran’s nuclear development and we must not back down from strict sanctions on Iran, an enemy of freedom.”