On the 17th, Venezuelan President Maduro, in a phone call with United Nations Secretary-General Guterres, stated that the UN must firmly resist the threatening rhetoric from the US government against Venezuela, and that the US actions in question directly threaten Venezuela's sovereignty, international law, and peace.
According to a government communiqué released by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Gil via social media, Maduro, during the call, condemned the colonial rhetoric of US President Trump on social media and denounced White House Deputy Chief of Staff Miller for echoing Trump and claiming that Venezuela's oil industry belongs to the United States.
Maduro pointed out that Venezuela is currently suffering from US political, diplomatic, and economic encirclement, as well as a gradually intensifying campaign filled with lies and military threats, especially modern-day acts of piracy. He described this as a part of US “barbaric diplomacy,” which runs counter to the principles of peaceful coexistence in international relations.
The communiqué said that Guterres expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and noted that armed conflict in the region would have serious consequences for regional stability and the Latin American and Caribbean Peace Zone. Guterres will assist in addressing this issue at the UN Security Council, work to de-escalate the situation, and always prioritize diplomatic, dialogue-based, and peaceful solutions to disputes.
Trump's Blockade of the Caribbean Described as “Delusional”
Venezuelan Defense Minister Lopez stated on the 17th that Trump's talk of blockading the Caribbean Sea is “delusional.”
Lopez said that the Caribbean Sea is a space for cooperation, free trade, and free navigation, not a closed sea at the service of US interests. The US claim that Venezuela “steals” US oil resources is even more unfounded.
A Venezuelan Defense Ministry communiqué released on social media the same day pointed out that Trump's statements and actions amount to crude acts of piracy. This proves that his previous rhetoric about combating “drug terrorism” is a false narrative, with the real aim being to promote regime change in Venezuela and violently plunder oil and other natural resources—a resurgence of “Monroeism.”
Guterres Calls for Easing Tensions
On the 17th, UN Secretary-General Guterres's Deputy Spokesperson Haq said that Guterres calls on all parties to exercise restraint and immediately de-escalate tensions in Venezuela.
Responding to media questions at a press conference, he said that Guterres is closely monitoring the current situation, staying in communication with the relevant parties, and making efforts to prevent further escalation. Guterres calls on all stakeholders to fulfill their obligations under international law— including the UN Charter and any other applicable legal frameworks— to maintain regional peace.
Haq stated that the United Nations hopes all parties will avoid any actions that would further escalate the situation. At this stage, it is crucial to continue diplomatic engagement and seek peaceful solutions through dialogue.