Washington’s relations with Caracas remain fraught as the U.S. maintains sanctions and refuses to recognize the legitimacy of dictator Nicolás Maduro’s government despite previous talks on prisoner exchanges. The regime in Venezuela faces internal economic collapse even while external pressure mounts. Inflation is soaring and many Venezuelans are planning migration as living conditions deteriorate. The struggle for power in Venezuela is not just political but deeply humanitarian, with regional consequences for millions of displaced people and foreign policy in the hemisphere.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply increased military presence in the Caribbean and declared some Latin American drug-trafficking groups as “unlawful combatants,” putting the U.S. in formal “armed conflict” status with elements tied to Venezuela. In response, dictator Nicolás Maduro has accused Washington of fabricating a “new eternal war” against his government and launched military exercises in coastal zones. The escalation raises questions about international law, regional stability and Venezuela’s role in the broader geopolitics of the Americas.

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro ordered the immediate suspension of a gas cooperation agreement with Trinidad and Tobago after the Caribbean nation hosted a U.S. warship. The move underscores Caracas’ view that Washington is deploying military assets in the region to threaten Venezuela’s sovereignty. The decision affects joint natural-gas projects and signals a deepening energy and diplomatic crisis. As the Caribbean becomes a theater of U.S.-Venezuelan tensions, regional neighbours may face growing pressure in the contest for influence over Venezuelan resources.