Iran Endorses Maduro Amid U.S. Crackdown on Venezuelan Cartels
In an escalating geopolitical clash, Iran has openly backed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as the Trump administration intensifies military operations against drug trafficking networks tied to Caracas. The Iranian Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, labeled U.S. activities in the region as ‘dangerous repercussions,’ warning of potential threats to global peace. This public defense of Maduro’s regime came as the U.S. ramped up its campaign against criminal networks in the Caribbean, particularly those linked to Venezuela’s government.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil Pinto swiftly acknowledged Tehran’s support, calling it a demonstration of solidarity with the Venezuelan people. This partnership, however, has sparked concerns among international analysts. Isaias Medina III, a former U.N. diplomat who resigned in 2017 over Maduro’s human rights violations, accused Iran of using its alliance with Venezuela as a strategic move, rather than a principled stand for sovereignty. He highlighted that the partnership is driven by mutual interests in criminal enterprise and asymmetric warfare, posing a direct threat to U.S. national security.
The Trump administration, for its part, has not ruled out further military action. President Donald Trump, when asked about potential ground operations, stated, ‘No, I don’t rule out that, I don’t rule out anything. We just have to take care of Venezuela.’ This rhetoric reflects a broader U.S. strategy targeting the smuggling routes and political instability tied to Venezuela’s regime.
Analysts like Danny Citrinowicz of Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies pointed out that Iran’s support for Maduro is rooted in strategic concerns. Losing Venezuela could deprive Iran of its main foothold in Latin America, crucial for its regional operations and counter-strategic initiatives. Recent events, such as the thwarted assassination attempt on Israel’s ambassador in Mexico linked to Iran’s Quds Force, underline how Venezuela’s territory is used as a staging ground for such operations.
The U.S. has intensified its strikes against maritime routes suspected of carrying narcotics, with at least 21 fatal strikes launched since September. These operations are part of a wider effort to combat drug trafficking networks and their ties to organized crime in the region. Meanwhile, advocacy groups like American Families Against Cartel Terrorism (AmFACT) welcomed the recent designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, urging policymakers to extend similar designations to other notorious cartels like the Juárez Cartel for greater transparency and legal consequences.
The geopolitical tensions highlight the complex interplay between Iran’s strategic interests, the U.S.’s crackdown on criminal networks, and the broader implications for regional stability. As these dynamics unfold, the potential for further escalations remains a pressing concern.