In a significant escalation of diplomatic rhetoric, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid issued a stark warning to Iranian leadership, urging them to “pay close attention to what is happening in Venezuela.” This statement, delivered via social media platform X, appeared to reference the recent U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The comments emerged amidst widespread international condemnation of the United States’ intervention in the oil-rich South American nation, with numerous global officials decrying the action as a violation of international law. Iran, a key ally of Venezuela, was among the first nations to condemn the U.S. operation, characterizing it as a “flagrant violation of Venezuela’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The Iranian foreign ministry released an official statement asserting that “the US military attack on Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic rules of international law.” The ministry further warned that American military aggression could trigger global consequences, emphasizing Venezuela’s “inherent right to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination.”
In contrast to the international criticism, Israel expressed support for Maduro’s removal. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated on X: “Israel welcomes the removal of the dictator who led a network of drugs and terror and hopes for the return of democracy to the country and for friendly relations between the states.”
The geopolitical tensions escalated further when former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened potential intervention in Iran amid domestic protests, declaring: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani responded with a warning that U.S. intervention “corresponds to chaos in the entire region and the destruction of US interests,” likely referencing Iranian capabilities to target American military bases in the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following meetings with Trump, publicly advocated for renewed military action against Iran, accusing Tehran of “exporting terrorism not only to every part of the Middle East, but to Venezuela” and alleging Iranian collaboration with the Maduro regime.