It would be smart for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to leave power, and the United States could keep or sell the oil it had seized off the coast of Venezuela in recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday.
Trump's pressure campaign on Maduro has included a ramped-up military presence in the region and more than two dozen military strikes on vessels allegedly trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near the South American nation. At least 100 people have been killed in the attacks.
Asked if the goal was to force Maduro from power, Trump told reporters: "Well, I think it probably would... That's up to him what he wants to do. I think it'd be smart for him to do that. But again, we're gonna find out."
"If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough," he said.
During the press conference, Trump also took aim at Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who he has also feuded with throughout the year.
In addition to the strikes, Trump has previously announced a "blockade" of all oil tankers under sanctions entering and leaving Venezuela.
The U.S. Coast Guard started pursuing an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela on Sunday, in what would be the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than two weeks if successful.
"Maybe we will sell it, maybe we will keep it," Trump said when asked what would happen with the seized oil, adding it might also be used to replenish the United States' strategic reserves.
Without directly referring to Trump's statements, Maduro said every leader should attend to the internal affairs of their own country.
"If I speak to him again, I will tell him: each country should mind its own internal affairs," Maduro said, referring to an initial phone call between the two leaders last month.
At least 18 people have died after floodwaters swept through the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi follow...
The war in the Middle East is exposing deeper tensions between the United States and China, particularly over control of global energy routes. As t...
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the European Union and neighbouring states to blam...
Anutin Charnvirakul has returned to power after winning a fresh mandate on Thursday following a Parliament...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field without U.S. or Qatari involvement, and warned that any Iranian at...
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the European Union and neighbouring states to blame Israel and the U.S. over how the hostilities are impacting global markets and American assets in the region.
Tehran’s Cultural Heritage Minister, Reza Salehi Amiri, has emphasised Iran’s and Azerbaijan’s shared cultural and civilisational heritage in an exclusive interview with AnewZ ahead of Novruz. The chat is being published with some delay, after an internet blackout in Iran delayed its transmission.
Iranian Foreign Affairs Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has warned neighbours to take care not to be drawn into the Middle East conflict in an interview with AnewZ's Touraj Shiralilou. The exclusive chat was carried out ahead of a multiday internet blackout in Iran, which delayed its publication.
Festive events across Azerbaijan are bringing the spirit of Novruz to life, with the Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve hosting its annual “Spring Fortress” celebration. Visitors are immersed in a historic setting, surrounded by colourful decorations and live performances.
Morocco has been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and Senegal stripped of their title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow-covered mountainside on Wednesday (18 March) amid strong winds.
The real power of the Strait of Hormuz lies not in closing it, but in the threat of closure.
Iranian President Pezeshkian has confirmed the killing of intelligence minister Esmail Khatib calling it a "cowardly assassination", following reports that Israel carried out an overnight strike.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field without U.S. or Qatari involvement, and warned that any Iranian attack on Qatar would prompt massive retaliation. The comments come as regional tensions soar after Tehran fired missiles at Gulf energy sites.
The war in the Middle East is exposing deeper tensions between the United States and China, particularly over control of global energy routes. As the Strait of Hormuz becomes a focal point, both powers are revealing sharply contrasting strategic priorities.
Anutin Charnvirakul has returned to power after winning a fresh mandate on Thursday following a Parliamentary vote in a country plagued by political drama and turmoil.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves ordered the closure of the country’s embassy in Havana on Wednesday (18 March), saying he didn’t recognise Cuba’s government.
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow-covered mountainside on Wednesday (18 March) amid strong winds.
A Chinese man, Zhang Kequn and his Kenyan associate, Charles Mwangi, have been charged by a court in Kenya for alleged involvement in illegal dealings of wildlife species.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment