Israel Warns Iran To Closely Monitor Venezuela After Maduro Arrested By U.S.

Hours after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Israeli politician Yair Lapid urged Iran to closely monitor developments in Caracas. Analysts warn the unprecedented operation could escalate tensions in the Middle East.

The arrest occurred less than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly discussing threats of further military actions against Iran. Observers suggest the timing signals broader U.S. strategic goals in the region.

The U.S. military raid followed months of planning and targeted Maduro's residence and military compounds, marking one of the most aggressive extraterritorial operations in recent U.S. history.

U.S.-Venezuela relations have been increasingly strained since 2019, when the Trump administration refused to recognize Maduro's presidency, instead backing opposition leader Juan Guaidó. The current operation represents a dramatic escalation in Washington's policy toward Caracas.

Regional experts caution that U.S. actions in Venezuela may reverberate across Latin America and the Middle East, potentially triggering retaliatory moves by nations aligned with Iran or opposing U.S. influence.

Critics argue the raid undermines international law and could set a dangerous precedent for interventions targeting sovereign leaders. Diplomatic channels may face heightened pressures as nations assess U.S. willingness to act unilaterally.

Jamal Abdi, head of the National Iranian American Council, described the operation as“another lawless act,” warning it could embolden groups favoring a military confrontation with Iran. Meanwhile, Negar Mortazavi, senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, argued that Washington's maximalist approach reduces chances for diplomacy.

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