Tensions have exploded on the global stage following an unprecedented military intervention by the United States inside Venezuela. The operation, which reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, has drawn a blistering response from one of Caracas's closest allies: Iran.
Iran's Furious Warning to the World
On January 3, 2026, Iran issued a stern condemnation of the United States' actions, labelling the military strikes a "gross violation of sovereignty and international law." Tehran did not stop at mere criticism. It delivered a stark warning that the consequences of Washington's decision "will not stop at Venezuela," strongly implying that Iran itself could be a future target. The Iranian government has urgently called for the United Nations to intervene immediately to de-escalate the situation.
The reaction from Tehran underscores the deep strategic alliance between Iran and Venezuela, both of which have faced severe US sanctions and political pressure for years. The capture of Maduro represents a direct blow to Iran's network of international partnerships.
Venezuela in Crisis: Mobilisation and Invasion Fears
In response to the US operation, the Venezuelan government under Maduro's leadership had already activated a full national defence command and ordered a complete national mobilisation. Caracas framed the US military action as a "direct foreign invasion" and prepared its troops for a significant confrontation.
Reports indicate that US Delta Force operatives were involved in the operation to extract the captured Venezuelan leader. The situation on the ground was described as chaotic, with visual evidence showing US military assets, including tanks, moving within Caracas. The Venezuelan air force was reportedly engaged, though details on the extent of the combat remain unclear.
The Global Ripple Effect and a Chilling Warning
The crisis has sent shockwaves far beyond Latin America. Iran's warning suggests a fear that the US doctrine of intervention is expanding, potentially putting other nations opposed to American foreign policy in the crosshairs. This fear is amplified by former US President Donald Trump's recent and chilling declaration of being "LOCKED AND LOADED," a warning that is now echoing with particular resonance in Tehran.
The incident marks a dramatic escalation in the long-standing confrontation between the US and the governments of both Venezuela and Iran. It raises urgent questions about the future of international law, sovereignty, and the potential for a wider, multi-theater conflict involving major global powers and their allies. The world now watches to see if the United Nations can mount an effective response and whether the US strategy will indeed extend to other nations.
