Trump Issues ‘ULTIMATUM’ To Venezuela

Man in suit speaking at a microphone.

The U.S. demand that Venezuela expel foreign agents from China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba has ignited a geopolitical firestorm, raising the stakes for international alliances and sovereignty.

Story Highlights

  • U.S. demands Venezuela expel all foreign agents to avoid further military intervention.
  • The demand excludes normal diplomats, targeting security and intelligence operatives.
  • Trump proposes U.S. management of Venezuelan oil profits for mutual benefit.
  • Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba condemned the U.S. operation as illegal.

U.S. Strategy in Venezuela

The Trump administration’s recent move to demand the expulsion of intelligence agents from Venezuela marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. This follows a military operation on January 3, 2026, that captured Nicolás Maduro, effectively ending his regime. The U.S. now pushes Venezuela’s interim government to sever ties with strategic adversaries, namely China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba. This bold strategy aims to realign Venezuela’s geopolitical stance and reduce the influence of U.S. adversaries in the Western Hemisphere.

The demand for the expulsion of foreign agents is part of a broader leverage campaign by Washington. It excludes normal diplomatic personnel, focusing instead on security and intelligence operatives. The U.S. intends to purge these actors as a step toward securing its interests in the region. President Trump has warned that non-compliance may lead to a second U.S. military intervention, emphasizing the seriousness of the ultimatum. Additionally, the interim government is expected to transfer substantial oil reserves to the U.S., with Trump pledging to manage the profits for the benefit of both nations.

International Reactions and Implications

In response to the U.S. demands, Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba have voiced strong opposition, labeling the military operation and subsequent demands as illegal. These nations view the U.S. actions as a violation of sovereignty and an attempt to destabilize longstanding alliances. The situation has strained diplomatic relations, with these countries rallying against what they perceive as U.S. imperialism. Despite the criticism, the U.S. remains firm in its stance, signaling a potential revival of Monroe Doctrine policies aimed at curtailing foreign influence in Latin America.

Regionally, the implications are profound. The forced expulsion of foreign agents could drastically alter Venezuela’s internal security dynamics. The removal of Cuban and Russian advisory roles, which were pivotal to Maduro’s regime, signifies a rapid transformation. Economically, U.S. control over Venezuelan oil could alter global supply balances, affecting OPEC dynamics and potentially impacting negotiations with Iran. The move also poses a threat to Cuba’s economy, heavily reliant on subsidized Venezuelan oil, potentially leading to severe economic instability.

Long-term Consequences

Strategically, the U.S. actions could set a precedent for future interventions under the guise of protecting regional stability. Critics argue this mirrors Russia’s justification for its actions in Ukraine, potentially weakening international norms against regime-change operations. The long-term effects might also include a militarized U.S.-Latin America relationship as the 21st-century Monroe Doctrine takes shape. For Iran, the situation represents a strategic setback, likely influencing its regional posture and nuclear ambitions. The geopolitical landscape in the Western Hemisphere is poised for significant shifts, with the U.S. asserting its dominance while adversaries reassess their strategies.

The situation remains fluid, with global powers closely monitoring the developments. The Venezuelan interim government faces the dual challenge of navigating U.S. demands while managing potential internal backlash. As the story unfolds, the world watches how these strategic maneuvers will redefine international alliances and influence power dynamics in the region.

Sources:

U.S. urges Venezuela: Dismiss agents from China, Russia, Iran, Cuba

Trump’s impact on adversaries: China, Russia, Iran, Cuba

The Global Implications of the U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela

United States and Venezuela

Let Freedom Ring: Caribbean 2026

Modern Diplomacy: Venezuela and U.S. Relations