Keystone
Venezuela’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro has recently leveled serious accusations against the USA, claiming its increasing military presence in the Caribbean is a direct attempt to target and seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. In a letter addressed to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Maduro warned of the risks this escalation poses not only to Venezuela’s oil production but also to the stability of the international oil market as a whole.
The tension between the nations has been heightened by statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been vocally critical of Maduro’s regime. The U.S. has bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean, including the withdrawal of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, from the Mediterranean. This ship, alongside other warships and a long-range bomber, has been repositioned to the Caribbean under the guise of combating drug smuggling. Officially, Washington has stated that over 80 individuals have been killed in confrontations involving alleged drug vessels, justifying the increase in military activity.
According to Maduro, the U.S. has deployed around 15,000 soldiers and 14 warships to the Caribbean. This figure aligns with reports from U.S. media, intensifying concerns about potential military conflict. Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that the airspace over Venezuela might be considered closed have only added fuel to this fire, prompting speculation about the future trajectory of U.S.-Venezuela relations.
Speculation about Trump’s Plans
The escalating tensions have led many analysts to speculate about the possibility of an imminent attack on Venezuela, with questions arising regarding whether the U.S. aims to initiate a change of power in Caracas. The U.S. government, along with the European Union and several Latin American countries, does not recognize Maduro as a legitimate president, casting doubt on the 2024 presidential election results amid allegations of fraud.
Additionally, the U.S. has accused Venezuela of fueling a drug crisis, asserting that deadly substances are being smuggled into America from the South American nation—a claim the Venezuelan government vehemently denies. This complex backdrop serves as a stage for the mounting hostilities and deepening divisions between the two countries.
In his outreach to OPEC, which includes major oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, Maduro also appealed to OPEC+. This broader coalition, which features other significant oil-producing nations like Russia, is pivotal in balancing global oil markets. Maduro’s communication highlights not only Venezuela’s precarious position but also the interconnected nature of global energy politics and the potential repercussions that might unfold should tensions escalate further.