Venezuela has launched formal diplomatic protests through the United Nations Security Council following incendiary statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump that have escalated tensions between the two nations. The controversy erupted when Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to announce what he characterized as “the largest Armada ever assembled in the South American theater” encircling Venezuelan territory.
In his social media declaration, Trump asserted that Venezuela must return “all oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us” before the naval blockade would be lifted. The former president further escalated rhetoric by labeling the Maduro administration a “foreign terrorist organization” and proclaiming a comprehensive embargo on all sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or depart Venezuelan waters.
The Venezuelan government responded with vigorous diplomatic countermeasures, issuing an official condemnation on Wednesday that characterized Trump’s statements as “grotesque threats” and violations of international law. Venezuelan officials accused the United States of pursuing a campaign of resource appropriation through military intimidation tactics.
In a significant escalation, Caracas has formally notified the President of the UN Security Council, citing specific violations of UN Resolution 3314, which prohibits acts of aggression between sovereign states. The Venezuelan communication additionally declared the closure of national airspace to unauthorized military aircraft, positioning the move as a defensive measure against perceived U.S. aggression.
The developing situation represents one of the most severe deteriorations in U.S.-Venezuela relations in recent years, with implications for regional stability and global energy markets given Venezuela’s status as a major oil-producing nation.