TEHRAN - Iran's improved ties with Latin America have endangered the interests of the world's imperialist states, an Iranian analyst said, adding that it is natural for the US to be deeply concerned about Tehran's growing ties and strong foothold in Latin America.

"Latin America was the United States' backyard for decades and imperialists had gained an uncontested ruling in that region but Latin America has gone through fundamental developments during the last two decades and several countries have attained actual independence and democratic governments," Abdolhamid Shahrabi told FNA here on Monday.

Noting that Iran's presence and reinvigoration of its position in the Latin America have posed a threat to the interests of the imperialist states, Shahrabi viewed the trips by the US and Israeli officials to the region in line with their efforts to weaken Iran's standing in the region.

He also hailed the vigilance shown and efforts made by Iranian and Venezuelan leaders in consolidating ties with each other, including Hugo Chavez's current visit to Iran, and described it a proper way to boost the anti-imperialism front.

Chavez, accompanied by a high ranking politico-economic delegation, arrived in Tehran on Saturday in the fourth leg of his tour of six nations.

This is the seventh time that President Chavez visits Iran.

Shahrabi further hailed the enthusiasm shown by the Venezuelan president for enhancing ties and cooperation with Tehran as a strategy for confronting imperialist states.

In his meetings with senior Iranian officials, including the Supreme Leader, Chavez has repeatedly stressed that enhanced cooperation and unity between the two countries would be the only way to fight against enemy plots.