US Intervention in Venezuela Sparks International Tension

In the wake of the recent US-led military intervention in Venezuela, which resulted in the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, international tensions are mounting. As Israeli media and notable US lawmakers like Senator Lindsey Graham signal a potential intervention in Iran, reactions from various countries are pouring in, and the future remains uncertain.

Background and Context

The US has long been critical of Venezuela's ties to Iran, a sentiment that was echoed post-intervention. The Jerusalem Post reported the US is weighing an intervention in Iran, fueled by the recent protests in the country¹. The Times of Israel also highlighted the link between the Venezuela operation and the fight against Iran and Hezbollah¹².

Iran, for its part, has been rallying Latin American allies, condemning the US's actions in Venezuela³, and deploring what Tehran terms as 'rogue state' actions⁴. The Foreign Minister of Venezuela, Yvan Gil Pinto, has expressed his gratitude to Iran for voicing solidarity with his country⁵.

Key Developments

Despite these tensions, some analysts suggest Iran may not be the next target for US intervention. The South China Morning Post pointed out the higher geopolitical stakes in the Middle East and the greater role played by China, Russia, and other countries⁶. However, the same source noted that the US intervention in Venezuela has deepened Iranian leadership's concerns about further intervention from Washington⁶.

The US has been criticized for its intervention in Venezuela. International law prohibits a country from attacking another except for immediate legitimate defense or with the approval of the United Nations Security Council⁷. The US's actions in Venezuela were deemed illegal by Folha de S.Paulo, as the US was not attacked by Venezuela, and the UN Security Council did not authorize the use of force⁷.

Implications and Reactions

The potential implications of the US's actions in Venezuela are significant. Le Monde reported that Iran is on the verge of losing an economic and military ally in Venezuela⁸. In addition, the Council of Europe's Secretary General Alain Berset has commented on the situation, stating that the use of force is normalized⁹.

As the situation unfolds, the US continues to issue threats, with Donald Trump warning Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, that she would pay a larger price than Maduro if she does not cooperate¹⁰. This has led to speculation about Trump's next possible target, with Sky News listing Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Greenland, and Iran as potential candidates¹¹.

Conclusion

In the current atmosphere of uncertainty and tension, the international community is closely watching the US's actions. Whether Iran will indeed be the next target of US intervention remains uncertain, and the implications of these actions on international relations and global stability are yet to be fully understood.