One of Venezuela’s closest allies has once again expressed solidarity amid escalating U.S. military threats. On Thursday (18), the Cuban government issued a statement urging international mobilization against Washington’s offensive in the Caribbean, warning that the “true objective of these actions is to seize Venezuela’s oil and resources.”
“No government can resort to threats or the use of force in violation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. It is urgent to separate lies from reality. Cuba calls for international mobilization to prevent aggression and preserve Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, as proclaimed by heads of state and government,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Havana warned that a direct military attack on Venezuela would have “incalculable consequences” for peace, stability, and security across the continent. The statement also described recent attacks on vessels as “hostile and irresponsible,” characterizing U.S. operations as acts of “psychological warfare” designed to legitimize aggression against Caracas.
“The U.S. Secretary of State, along with his allies, who are also responsible for the current escalation of genocide in Gaza, are trying to impose their interests by force in Venezuela. This is unjustifiable and dangerous. Cuba has repeatedly warned that the deployment of U.S. forces in the Caribbean constitutes an act of provocation, designed to trigger a military conflict that would force Venezuela to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the note concluded.
The Venezuelan government welcomed Havana’s message, stressing that recent attacks on vessels are intended to provoke military confrontation and put lives at risk throughout the Caribbean.
Support from allies
Other Venezuelan allies also spoke out. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said U.S. military maneuvers in the Caribbean “once again prove that coercion, intimidation, and hegemonism are unpopular and increasingly ineffective.” He emphasized the positive relationship between China and Latin America, adding:
“China and Latin America are good friends and equal partners, marked by openness, inclusiveness, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Our cooperation reflects the will of the people and the shared interests of both sides. Latin America and the Caribbean are not anyone’s ‘backyard’ and have the right to choose their development path and partners.”
Russia reiterated its support, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling U.S. pressure “unacceptable” and rejecting the use of force as a tool of foreign policy. She affirmed Venezuela’s right to determine its own course.
Iran also voiced solidarity. President Masud Pezeshkian expressed support for Nicolás Maduro in a phone call with Venezuelan officials, affirming that Iran “will firmly support Venezuela’s territorial integrity.” He condemned U.S. threats, comparing them to aggressions Iran itself has suffered: “Our internal cohesion has been our greatest strength against external pressure.”
Nicaragua also issued a statement signed by President Daniel Ortega, denouncing the deployment of U.S. submarines and warships to the region. Ortega questioned Washington’s credibility, pointing to its failure to combat drug trafficking within U.S. territory.
U.S. threats escalate
In September, the United States began moving troops to the southern Caribbean, claiming the mission was aimed at “combating drug trafficking.” But President Donald Trump’s statements came with explicit threats against Maduro’s government.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks after U.S. officials ratcheted up their rhetoric. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Washington would use “all its force” against Venezuela. The State Department also raised the reward for Maduro’s capture to US$50 million, once again, without evidence, accusing him of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns.
International media outlets have since reported the deployment of eight U.S. warships carrying 4,000 troops to the southern Caribbean. In response, the Venezuelan government announced it would mobilize troops in the south of the Caribbean and send 15,000 soldiers to the border with Colombia. Maduro also launched a mass recruitment drive for the Bolivarian National Militia, which includes civilians and retired soldiers trained in defense and territorial surveillance.
Two weeks ago, the White House released a video showing a boat being blown up by a U.S. bomb. Caracas dismissed it as an AI-generated fabrication, pointing to the lack of location, time, or identification details. Shortly afterward, Washington claimed to have bombed two additional vessels and intercepted a tuna fishing boat.
Maduro has accused the U.S. of seeking a violent regime change in Venezuela, urging Trump to abandon this strategy pushed by Washington’s elite.
