The big picture:
President Trump has deployed F‑35 fighter jets, warships, and a nuclear‑powered submarine to the region.
The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group arrived with about 75 aircraft and 5,000 troops, signaling preparations for sustained operations.
Trump told reporters he has “sort of made up [his] mind” on Venezuela, accusing President Nicolás Maduro’s government of involvement in drug trafficking.
Why it matters:
These moves represent a direct violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty, raising fresh concerns over potential U.S. intervention in Latin America.
Between the lines:
Trump insists he is not seeking regime change, but his decision to double the reward for President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest to $50 million suggests otherwise.
What’s next:
The Pentagon’s expansion of a Cold War‑era base in the Caribbean signals long‑term strategic planning. But if Washington proceeds with direct military action, it risks deepening regional instability and widening rifts with allies unwilling to legitimize U.S. intervention.
Go deeper:
Venezuelan President Signs Comprehensive Defense Commands
Hossein Amiri - Mojtaba Darabi
