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  • Trump Envoy Launches ‘Phase II’ to End Gaza War

    Trump Envoy Launches ‘Phase II’ to End Gaza War

    United States President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East has announced the start of the second phase of a U.S.-backed plan to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

    Steve Witkoff wrote on social media on Wednesday that Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan is now moving from a ceasefire to steps for demilitarization, governance, and rebuilding.

    This second phase will set up a temporary administration to manage the damaged Palestinian territory. It will focus on fully demilitarizing Gaza and rebuilding it, Witkoff said.

    “The US expects Hamas to meet its obligations, including the immediate return of the last deceased hostage. Failing to do so will have serious consequences,” he warned.

    The Gaza Government Media Office reported that Israel has broken the U.S.-backed ceasefire over 1,190 times since it began in October. These violations have killed more than 400 Palestinians and blocked essential humanitarian aid from reaching the area.

    Hamas, which has criticized Israel’s repeated ceasefire violations, did not immediately respond to Witkoff’s announcement.

    Al Jazeera reporter Tareq Abu Azzoum, speaking from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, mentioned that Hamas had previously said it was willing to give up day-to-day governance in Gaza as described in the Trump plan.

    However, it is still unclear what the new governing body will look like or how it will operate, Abu Azzoum said. He noted that many questions remain about rebuilding Gaza, where over 80 percent of buildings have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks.

    “The stability of the ceasefire is very important. Any worsening of the situation could delay or even ruin these plans,” Abu Azzoum warned.

    Board of Peace

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talked to the parents of Ran Gvili. Ran was a police officer in Israel, and his body is still in Gaza. Netanyahu said it is very important to bring Ran back to Israel. He also stated that the plans to create a technocratic committee to run Gaza will not hinder their efforts to recover Gvili.

    The US has put forward a 20-point proposal, which includes starting a “Board of Peace” led by Trump. It also suggests sending an “international stabilization force” to ensure security in Gaza.

    Last week, Netanyahu announced that former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov will lead this board. This board will oversee the Palestinian technocratic government that governs Gaza.

    Gaza Mediators Welcome Technocratic Body

    Mediators from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt welcomed the creation of a Palestinian technocratic body led by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath.

    On Wednesday, a statement was released expressing hope that the new committee would help carry out the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The statement said that everyone needs to agree to the plan to help bring peace and rebuild Gaza.

    Marwan Bishara, a reporter, is worried about a US plan to stop the fighting. He thinks the plan helps Israel too much. He wonders, “How can it be fair if one side gets more help?”

    He also says that people in Gaza are still suffering while President Trump and his team think they are helping. Bishara said that Israel is not interested in leaving Gaza, and he believes the US will not pressure Israel. “I think we will face a long wait for phase two,” he concluded.

    The United Nations and major humanitarian organizations in Gaza are asking Israel to allow aid to come in without restrictions. This includes food, supplies for shelter, and equipment to clear debris and rebuild homes. Legal experts say that these restrictions go against Israel’s duty to help meet the needs of Palestinians in the area it controls.

  • US & UK Withdrawing Personnel from Qatar Military Base

    US & UK Withdrawing Personnel from Qatar Military Base

    The United States and the United Kingdom are reducing the number of military personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar. This decision comes as US President Donald Trump considers action against Iran over its response to anti-government protests.

    Officials told CBS, a US news outlet, that the partial withdrawal of American troops is a safety measure. Some UK military personnel are also being withdrawn.

    The Qatari government stated that these actions by the US are a response to rising tensions in the region. Trump has said that the US will take strong action against Iran if the country executes any protesters. In response, Iran has warned it will retaliate if the US attacks.

    Human rights groups report that more than 2,400 anti-government protesters have been killed during the recent violent crackdown by Iranian authorities.

    The Qatari government has promised to take all necessary steps to keep its citizens and residents safe. This includes protecting important infrastructure and military sites.

    Al-Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East, hosting about 10,000 US troops and around 100 UK personnel. It is unclear how many will be leaving.

    A spokesperson from the UK Ministry of Defence did not comment on the reports of personnel withdrawal, citing operational security.

    Iran Warned Trump of Retaliation in Case of Attack

    A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Donald Trump on Wednesday that a recent attack in June showed Iran’s ability to respond to any attack. Ali Shamkhani said in a post on X, “This will help others understand Iran’s willingness and ability to respond.”

    The US Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel and citizens to be careful and limit non-essential travel to military sites in the region.

    The US has threatened to intervene in Iran after the killing of protesters. On Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social that Iranian authorities would “pay a big price” for these killings and encouraged people to “keep protesting.” He said Iranian leaders called him, wanting to negotiate, but he claimed the US “may need to act before a meeting.”

    Iran’s government accused the US of trying to create a reason for military intervention. The speaker of the Iranian parliament warned that if the US attacks, Israeli and US military and shipping centers in the region would become targets.

    The latest protests in Iran started in late December due to the falling currency and rising living costs. The protests quickly grew into demands for political change, presenting a serious challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

    The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that it has confirmed the deaths of 2,403 protesters, including 12 children, despite an internet blackout. They also reported that more than 18,434 protesters have been arrested during the unrest.

  • Trump Cancels Iran Meetings, Urges Protesters to Seize Institutions

    Trump Cancels Iran Meetings, Urges Protesters to Seize Institutions

    US President Donald Trump has canceled all meetings with Iranian officials. He urged protesters in Iran to “take over your institutions” after a government crackdown.

    On Tuesday, Trump posted on social media that “help is on the way” but did not elaborate. He has been considering military action against Iran recently.

    “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING-TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

    “I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! [MAGA].”

    Trump has threatened military strikes against Iran to pressure the country to meet US demands. He suggested that a harsh response from Iranian authorities to the protests could lead to US military action. On Monday, he announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran.

    Analysts have warned that US strikes could break international law and lead to unexpected problems, especially with the large protests happening in Iran.

    Human rights groups outside Iran say hundreds of protesters have died, while state media report that over 100 security personnel have also died.

    Trump Announced to Invade Iran

    Trump has suggested that the US may intervene in Iran. His national security team will meet today to discuss options.

    Thousands of people are feared dead after a strong crackdown on weeks of protests against the government in Iran. Many Iranians are reporting high levels of death and destruction when they manage to call family abroad.

    An Iranian security official told Reuters that the death toll could be around 2,000 people, which includes security personnel.

    One protester, Erfan Soltani, is set to be executed tomorrow. A human rights group mentioned that they have never seen a case move so quickly.

    Although some people in Iran can now make calls outside the country, an ongoing internet blackout makes it hard to confirm information from inside.

    Top Iranian Official Attributes Iranian Deaths to Trump

    Iran’s security forces have increased their crackdown in recent days. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the US, reports that at least 1,847 protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began on December 28. They warn that the actual death toll could be much higher.

    In response to former President Trump’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), Ali Larijani, Secretary of the National Security Council and adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said, “We announce the names of the main murderers of the Iranian people: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu.”

    This is not the first time Larijani has responded to Trump on social media.

    Earlier, on January 2, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.”

    Larijani replied, “Trump should know that US interference in this internal matter would mean destabilizing the entire region and harming America’s interests.”

  • US Classified Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as ‘Terrorists’

    US Classified Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as ‘Terrorists’

    The United States has labeled Muslim Brotherhood organizations in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups. This announcement comes from President Donald Trump’s administration as it increases efforts to target groups that oppose Israel globally.

    This decision was made on Tuesday, following an executive order from Trump issued weeks earlier to start the process of blacklisting these groups.

    The US Department of the Treasury identified the organizations in Jordan and Egypt as “specially designated global terrorists.” Meanwhile, the State Department classified the Lebanese group as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO).

    The Trump administration mentioned that these groups allegedly support Hamas and act against Israeli interests in the Middle East as reasons for the designations.

    The US Treasury stated, “Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood claim to be legitimate civic organizations, but they openly support terrorist groups like Hamas behind the scenes.”

    On Tuesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the US decision to label the Egyptian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as global “terrorists.” They called it a significant step. The ministry explained that the decision shows the risks this group poses and its extremist ideology, which threatens regional and international security.

    They also said this move matches Egypt’s long-standing view of the group, which it considers a “terrorist” organization due to its violence and incitement.

    These US designations make it illegal to provide support to these groups and impose economic sanctions to disrupt their funding. The FTO label also bans members of these groups from entering the US.

    The Muslim Brotherhood

    The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 by Egyptian scholar Hassan al-Banna. It has branches across the Middle East, including political parties and social groups.

    The group claims it is committed to peaceful political participation. In Lebanon, the Muslim Brotherhood chapter is called al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, and it has representatives in the Lebanese Parliament.

    In Jordan, the group won 31 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2024 elections through its political arm, the Islamic Action Front. However, last year, the Jordanian government banned the group, accusing it of being involved in a sabotage plot.

    In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood won the only democratically held presidential election in 2012. But after President Mohamed Morsi was overthrown in a military coup in 2013, he died in prison in 2019. Since then, Egypt has banned the Muslim Brotherhood and cracked down on its leaders and members, forcing the group underground and into exile.

    Muslim Brotherhood organizations have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them genocide. Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya showed support for Hezbollah as part of a solidarity effort for Gaza, which led to a war in September 2024.

    After a decree by Trump in November, Lebanese Parliament member Imad al-Hout stated that al-Jamaa al-Islamiya is a licensed political organization in Lebanon and has no foreign ties. He said that the assessment of any Lebanese political group should be based on Lebanese laws, not external viewpoints tied to American interests that support Israel and do not reflect the situation in Lebanon.

    The Group Rejected Trump’s Order

    The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood rejected Trump’s order to blacklist them, noting that previous US administrations did not take this step.

    “The facts have not changed. What has changed is the foreign pressure on the United States, especially from the UAE and Israel, to adopt policies that serve outside interests instead of the American people,” the group stated in November.

    “These outside interests contradict the ‘America First’ principle that President Trump often mentions and show the negative influence of foreign lobbying groups on U.S. national security decisions.”

    Effects in the US

    In the US and other Western countries, right-wing activists have tried to harm the reputation of Muslim immigrant communities and critics of Israel by linking them to the Muslim Brotherhood.

    Some of Trump’s supporters in Congress have pushed for blacklisting the group for years.

    After Trump’s order labeled the Muslim Brotherhood’s branches in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups, the Republican governors of Texas and Florida acted against the leading Muslim civil rights group in the US.

    Both states classified the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “terrorist” groups.

    CAIR, which denies any connection to the Muslim Brotherhood, has filed a lawsuit in response.

  • Iran’s Khamenei Directly Warns US in Russian Posts

    Iran’s Khamenei Directly Warns US in Russian Posts

    Iran is experiencing rising protests and increasing threats from the Trump administration. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a warning to the United States this week through an unusual platform: his Russian-language account on X. Analysts believe this shows how closely Iran is aligning with Moscow as pressure on the regime grows.

    On January 11, Khamenei wrote in Russian, “The United States today is miscalculating in its approach toward Iran.” A few hours later, he posted again in Russian, warning that Americans have faced defeat in the past because of “miscalculations” and may do so again due to “erroneous planning.”

    Ksenia Svetlova, the executive director of the Regional Organization for Peace, Economy and Security (ROPES) and an associate fellow at Chatham House, pointed out that Khamenei’s choice to use Russian was significant, even if the writing was awkward.

    “This is poorly written Russian,” Svetlova told Fox News Digital. “It seems to have been translated by Google Translate rather than a human.” Still, she said Khamenei using a Russian-language account was not surprising given the strong ties between Iran and Russia in recent years.

    Iranian Internal Crisis Continued to Deepen

    Khamenei has issued a warning as Iran’s internal crisis worsens. HRANA, a human rights organization, reports that at least 544 people have died in nationwide protests, with more cases still under review. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) says that over 3,000 people have died, which is more than what the government says. It’s hard to know for sure because the internet is turned off in many places in Iran.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Iran in response to the rising death toll. When asked if Iran had crossed a red line, Trump said, “It looks like they’re starting to.” And there seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed. These are violent. If you call them leaders, I don’t know if they’re leaders or just rule through violence. But we’re looking at it very seriously,” during a flight on Air Force One.

    “We’re considering some very strong options,” he added.

    Iranian leaders say the U.S. is interfering in their affairs. They warn that if the U.S. takes military action, it will result in retaliation against American forces and allies in the region. However, Tehran also wants to keep diplomatic communication open.

    Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that communication between Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is still active. Axios reported that Araghchi contacted Witkoff over the weekend amid Trump’s warnings of possible military action.

    Despite these efforts, analysts believe Khamenei’s message in Russian shows that Iran views Russia as its most reliable strategic partner.

    Critical Lifeline for Iran

    Russia is an important ally for Iran, especially because Moscow needs Iranian drones and military equipment for its war in Ukraine. Svetlova pointed out that if Iran faces internal problems, it could seriously affect Russia.

    “I believe this could have a big impact because they depend on Iran for military supplies, like drones and missiles,” she said. “They need these to keep fighting in Ukraine.”

    However, this relationship has caused frustration in Iran. Svetlova mentioned that after the 12-day conflict with Israel, many Iranians criticized Russia for not helping.

    “There was a lot of anger in Iran towards Russia for not providing support,” she said. “They didn’t reach out or offer any assistance at all.”

    Still, Svetlova noted that Russia has few other options as its global influence declines. With key allies like Bashar al-Assad in Syria and Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela losing power, Moscow increasingly depends on Tehran, even though it stays quiet about the protests happening in Iran.

  • Trump Considers Possible Military Action Against Iran

    Trump Considers Possible Military Action Against Iran

    President Donald Trump is looking at different military options in response to the protests in Iran that have turned deadly. Some U.S. officials told CNN that he is thinking about responding to recent threats to attack the Iranian government if it harms civilians.

    Trump has been briefed recently on various plans for intervention as the violence in Iran has led to many deaths and arrests. Some options focus on targeting the security forces in Tehran that are suppressing the protests.

    On Sunday, Trump stated that Iran contacted him to negotiate. He said, “The leaders of Iran want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States.”

    Trump is mainly concerned about the violence against protesters. He noted, “Some people seem to be killed who shouldn’t be. These leaders are violent, if you want to call them that. We are taking this very seriously.” He added, “The military is looking at it, and we are considering strong options. We will make a decision.”

    However, some officials are worried that military strikes could have negative consequences and hurt the protests. They believe that strikes could rally the Iranian people behind their government or lead Iran to retaliate with military action.

    Options to Target the Iranian Regime

    Trump is looking at several ways to help protesters in Iran without using military force.

    The U.S. is considering cyber operations to target the Iranian military and government. This could disrupt their ability to manage protests. Trump is also thinking about new sanctions on important officials and key parts of Iran’s economy, like energy and banking.

    In addition, the administration may provide technology, such as Starlink, to help improve internet access in Iran. This would help protesters get around information blackouts. Trump mentioned he might call Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink, after returning to Washington from Florida. President Joe Biden had previously offered similar internet support during protests in 2022.

    Different government agencies are working on these options for the president. Formal briefings are planned soon, including one on Tuesday when Trump will meet with senior national security officials to discuss what to do next.

    Tehran has warned that if the U.S. takes military action against Iran, it will target U.S. military and commercial bases. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliamentary speaker, said, “If the U.S. attacks Iran or the occupied territories, we will consider U.S. military and shipping centers legitimate targets. We will not just wait and react after an attack.”

    When asked how the U.S. would respond if Iran attacked American military bases, Trump said, “We will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”

    The president has not made a final decision about intervention yet, but he is seriously considering options as the death toll in Iran rises. However, the choices under consideration do not include sending ground troops to Iran, according to a senior official at the White House.

    Consequences of Anti-regime Protests

    Trump Considers Possible Military Action Against Iran

    Over the past 15 days, at least 10,675 people have been arrested in Iran during anti-government protests. This number includes 169 children, according to Skylar Thompson, the deputy director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA).

    HRA also reports that at least 490 protesters have been killed during this time. CNN cannot verify these numbers independently.

    U.S. President Trump commented on the situation on social media, saying, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

    On Friday, Trump told reporters that if the Iranian government uses deadly violence against protesters, the U.S. will “get involved.” He emphasized that this would not necessarily mean sending troops, but that the U.S. would respond strongly.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Saturday about the protests. They also discussed the situations in Syria and Gaza.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that they are watching the developments in Iran as the country enters its third week of protests.

  • Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado to Meet Trump on Thursday

    Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado to Meet Trump on Thursday

    Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, will meet President Donald Trump on Thursday. A senior White House official shared this news with CNN.

    Machado’s visit comes after Trump declined to support her following U.S. military strikes in Caracas and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the country’s leader. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has now taken over as acting president.

    After the operation on January 3, Trump said it would be difficult for Machado to lead Venezuela because she does not have the support or respect of the people.

    Despite this, Machado has something Trump desires – a Nobel Prize. She has said she would offer her prize to Trump, who expressed that it would be an “honor” to receive it. However, the Norwegian Nobel Institute stated that the prize cannot be transferred.

    When asked on Friday if accepting Machado’s prize would change his view of her role in Venezuela, Trump did not respond directly.

    “I need to talk to her. She might be involved in some way. I think it’s great that she wants to come in. That’s what I understand the reason is,” Trump told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during a meeting with oil executives at the White House.

    “I can’t think of anyone in history who deserves the Nobel Prize more than me. I don’t want to brag, but nobody else has settled wars,” Trump stated.

    On Sunday, Trump said he is open to meeting with Rodriguez “at some point.” He mentioned, “We’re working really well with the leadership, and we’ll see how it all unfolds,” while speaking to reporters on Air Force One.

    Trump Canceled Second Wave of Attacks on Venezuela

    Last week, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was canceling a second wave of attacks on Venezuela. He made this decision because Venezuela cooperated with the U.S. in the release of political prisoners.

    In a meeting with oil executives on Friday, he called Venezuela an ally “right now” and said he does not think another attack is needed. Trump has claimed that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela, suggesting this could last for years. In a recent interview with The New York Times, he said, “Only time will tell.”

    However, his plan for a large new drilling campaign, part of his vision to rebuild the country and use its resources, has met with hesitation. After the lengthy White House meeting, Trump and his aides did not secure any major commitments from companies to invest billions. The CEO of ExxonMobil called Venezuela “uninvestible.”

  • Chinese, Russian, & Iranian Warships Arrive in South Africa for Drills

    Chinese, Russian, & Iranian Warships Arrive in South Africa for Drills

    Chinese, Russian, and Iranian warships are in South African waters this week for naval drills. These exercises happen as tensions rise due to the United States’ military actions in Venezuela and its seizure of oil tankers.

    China’s defense ministry announced that the drills will begin with an opening ceremony on Saturday. The main aim is to protect important shipping routes and economic activities. The exercises will include attacks on maritime targets and rescue operations against terrorism.

    Ships from these three countries have been seen coming in and out of the harbor at South Africa’s main naval base in Simon’s Town, near Cape Town, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean.

    It is unclear if Brazil, India, or the United Arab Emirates, or other BRICS countries, will join the drills. A spokesperson for the South African armed forces has not confirmed the full list of participants, but the exercises will run until next Friday.

    South Africa’s defense forces say these drills will help navies share best practices and improve cooperation. This will contribute to safer shipping routes and regional stability.

    These exercises follow a US military attack on Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, during which President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly abducted.

    US Forces Seizing Venezuela Oil Tankers

    The Trump administration has been taking oil tankers connected to Venezuela from international waters. This includes a Russian-flagged ship in the North Atlantic that the US says broke its sanctions.

    Russia has reacted strongly, calling this seizure a violation of international maritime law.

    In an interview with The New York Times, Trump said he does not care about international law. He claimed that only his “own morality” guides his administration’s strong actions.

    The US has also warned that it might take action against Iran because of the government’s response to recent protests.

    Joint naval drills among BRICS countries could create more tension between the US and South Africa, which has faced criticism from the Trump administration.

    These drills were supposed to happen last November but were delayed because they conflicted with the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

    Let Not Press Panic Buttons

    South Africa’s Deputy Defence Minister, Bantu Holomisa, said the event was planned before the current tensions.

    He asked the public not to worry just because the United States has issues with certain countries. “Those countries are not our enemies,” Holomisa said.

    Some people in South Africa criticized the decision to host Russian and Iranian warships. The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the coalition government, opposes this decision.

    They called the military drills “BRICS cooperation” and argued that it is a way for the government to hide the fact that it is building military ties with nations like Russia and Iran, which are facing sanctions.

  • US State Department Delegation Visits Venezuela for First Time since Maduro’s Capture

    US State Department Delegation Visits Venezuela for First Time since Maduro’s Capture

    A team from the US State Department visited Venezuela on Friday for the first time since Nicolas Maduro was ousted. This visit is part of the US effort to reopen its embassy in Caracas and signals the administration’s goal to re-establish a diplomatic presence in Venezuela.

    US diplomatic and security staff from the Venezuela Affairs Unit, based in Colombia, traveled to the Venezuelan capital. They were with acting US Ambassador to Colombia John McNamara to assess the situation for a gradual return to operations.

    In 2019, the US withdrew its diplomats and closed the embassy in Caracas. Since then, the Venezuela Affairs Unit has been working with US diplomats in Bogotá.

    A senior State Department official said on Monday that they are preparing to reopen the embassy in Venezuela if the president decides to proceed.

    Discussions are ongoing about meetings between US diplomats and Venezuelan political leaders, but these meetings are not likely to happen during this trip, according to a senior US official.

    The Venezuelan foreign ministry announced on Friday that it is starting an “exploratory diplomatic process” with the US. This process aims to re-establish diplomatic missions in both countries and discuss the implications of what they call the “aggression and kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife.

    They confirmed that the US delegation came to Venezuela to assess technical and logistical needs, and stated that a group of Venezuelan diplomats would travel to the US to complete necessary tasks.

    Will US Oil Companies Reopen Operations in Venezuela?

    Former diplomats say that the lack of a US presence in Venezuela will make it difficult to rebuild the country and ensure accountability. Trump wants US oil companies to return to Venezuela to help with rebuilding efforts. He mentioned earlier this week that the US was “asked” to reopen its embassy but did not give more details.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio told important lawmakers during a briefing on Monday that the State Department is looking into reopening the US embassy. He said officials need to check the building to see if it is in good enough shape to reopen, according to a source familiar with the briefing. He added that they plan to send people in the coming days.

    Another source mentioned that there are discussions about sending a team of experts to inspect the building’s condition. They need to find out what repairs are necessary before reopening the embassy.

    The embassy has been closed since the Maduro government cut diplomatic ties with the first Trump administration after it recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó. At the same time, Maduro closed Venezuelan diplomatic offices and withdrew personnel from the US.

    One source said that it might take a long time for the embassy to fully reopen. However, a small team could be set up quickly. Some diplomats have already offered to work in Caracas.

    A former senior US official mentioned that reopening the embassy “could be very fast.” However, the State Department needs to be sure that the security conditions are safe for US personnel.

    “The key issue is whether we have the right security conditions and confidence that our people won’t be injured or kidnapped by the regime. That is the difficult part,” the official told CNN.

  • US Authorities Seized 5th Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela – Officials

    US Authorities Seized 5th Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela – Officials

    US forces have seized another tanker in the Caribbean Sea as part of ongoing efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports. The tanker, called the Olina, is on several countries’ sanctions lists and is the fifth vessel taken by the US in recent weeks.

    The US uses these seizures to pressure Venezuela’s interim government and to remove the “dark fleet” of over 1,000 tankers that carry sanctioned and illegal oil. The US military’s Southern Command stated, “Once again, our forces have sent a clear message: ‘there is no safe haven for criminals.’”

    Officials said the operation took place before dawn, with Marines and sailors working alongside the Department of Homeland Security. They seized the tanker after it left Venezuela, trying to avoid US forces.

    The Olina reportedly left Venezuelan waters late Sunday after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro in an early morning raid.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X that this was another “ghost fleet” tanker suspected of carrying embargoed oil. She shared a video showing troops descending onto the ship from a helicopter, calling the operation “safe” and “effective.”

    Maritime risk company Vanguard Tech reported that the vessel was trying to break through the US naval blockade in the Caribbean. It had been sailing under a false flag registered to Timor-Leste, according to the International Maritime Organization.

    Vanguard Tech added that the vessel’s location tracker was last active 52 days ago, northeast of Curacao. They noted that the seizure followed a long pursuit of tankers linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments in the area.

    The US had sanctioned the Olina last January when it was named Minerva M, accusing it of helping finance Russia’s war in Ukraine by moving Russian oil to foreign markets.

    US Back-to-back Operations

    This week, the United States announced it seized two tankers involved in Venezuelan oil exports during operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. One of the tankers is the Marinera, which is flagged from Russia. The UK Royal Navy helped capture it by providing support from air and sea.

    The Marinera is believed to be part of a shadow fleet that transports oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, violating US sanctions. US officials say the Marinera was falsely flying the flag of Guyana last month, making it stateless.

    The second tanker, the M/T Sophia, is accused of engaging in illegal activities. Experts explain that, under international maritime law, authorities can board stateless vessels.

    US President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, will hand over up to 50 million barrels of oil worth about $2.8 billion (£2.1 billion) to the US.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US will sell this oil at market rates and manage how the proceeds are used to benefit the Venezuelan people.