Statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, together with recent military, financial, and regulatory moves, outline a gradual strategy by Washington toward Venezuela that combines control over oil, conflict management, and a political transition still full of unanswered questions.
The Organization of American States (OAS) held an extraordinary session, convened at Colombia’s request, to address the Venezuelan crisis following the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The development has triggered a deep regional divide between those who condemn the intervention as a violation of sovereignty and those who, while opposing the use of force, insist on the illegitimacy of the authorities in Caracas.
The United Nations Security Council met this Monday in an emergency session requested by Venezuela following the bombing of Caracas by the United States and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The meeting, which began at 10:00 a.m. New York time, was marked by sharp divisions among member states, with widespread condemnations of the use of force and calls for the release of the Venezuelan leader, alongside explicit support for the U.S. operation on the grounds of combating narco-terrorism and restoring democracy.
In a message disseminated through her Telegram channel, Delcy Rodríguez, in her capacity as Acting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, reiterated the country’s historical commitment to peace, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence, while opening the door to a “balanced and respectful” relationship with the United States and with countries across the region.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro received in Caracas Qiu Xiaoqi, special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a visit marked by mounting military and economic pressure from the United States on Venezuela and by China’s growing role as the country’s main energy partner.
Relatives and human rights organizations confirmed the release of at least 87 people detained for political reasons, although they warn that dozens remain imprisoned in the Aragua penitentiary.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the designation of ten individuals and entities based in Venezuela and Iran, whom it accuses of participating in the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ballistic missile components, and other Iranian military capabilities. This action is part of the context of the reimposition of United Nations sanctions against Tehran in 2025.
A new regional report reveals that Venezuelan migrants are not only integrating into the labor market and consumer base but are also contributing billions of dollars in taxes, investment, and economic dynamism in their host countries, debunking myths about their fiscal impact.
In an oral update before the UN Human Rights Council, High Commissioner Volker Türk denounced the closing of civic space, arbitrary detentions, and forced disappearances in Venezuela, while calling for a review of sanctions and urging against an escalation of international confrontation that worsens the impact on the civilian population.
The European Union has decided to extend the existing restrictive measures against Venezuela for another year, until January 10, 2027. The EU considers that actions undermining democracy and the rule of law persist, along with human rights violations and repressive practices against civil society and the political opposition. The Council’s decision is also adopted in light of events related to the presidential elections of July 28, 2024, and their subsequent development.
