Washington’s recent actions, including the imposition of a comprehensive naval blockade on Venezuelan oil and the designation of the Maduro regime as a ‘foreign terrorist organization,’ are tightening the noose around President Nicolas Maduro’s government. These moves are also escalating tensions in the Caribbean region.
President Maduro, responding to the American escalation, warned that his country ‘does not want a new Vietnam,’ accusing the US administration of ‘maritime piracy’ and calling on all maritime industry workers to undertake a ‘global movement’.
Analysts suggest that the US administration’s escalatory measures against Venezuela aim to maintain pressure on the Maduro regime through various means and to send a message to countries cooperating with the regime, particularly China.
According to political science professor Ziad Majed, the current US administration sees this as an opportune moment to escalate actions against Venezuela due to the shifting political landscape in South America and a belief that the international climate allows for isolating Caracas. He suggests Europe is largely unable to act, with some countries already participating in the blockade against Venezuela. China, targeted for its oil cooperation with Venezuela, and Russia, geographically distant, offer limited support to Maduro.
Majed anticipates further US pressure to weaken the Venezuelan regime, capitalizing on internal divisions within the country. While he considers military action unlikely, due to the need for congressional approval, he raises the possibility of behind-the-scenes negotiations between Washington and Caracas, possibly mediated by Brazil. Any resolution might involve concessions from the Maduro regime, such as agreements weakening the government or early elections, as the ultimate US goal is regime change in Venezuela.
The situation remains fluid, with the future of Venezuela and its relationship with the United States hanging in the balance. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as this critical story develops.
