Is America playing the Iraq game again? Blockade of sanctioned oil tankers in and out of Venezuela
The history of relations between Venezuela and the United States is a complex and dramatic story. It began as a close alliance that later turned into hostility. In December 2025, while the world was still struggling with the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and other international crises, US President Donald Trump officially declared the Venezuelan government a foreign terrorist organization. This declaration was not just a political move, but the beginning of a potential war. These steps by the Trump administration are setting the stage for a new war in 2026.
We will present the history of relations between Venezuela and the United States in chronological order. We will see how the once close alliance turned into hostility, how Venezuela, led by Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro, stood in opposition to the United States, and why Trump is now pushing for regime change. In addition, we will compare this event with the invasion of Iraq and see how the United States is ignoring international law for its own interests.
Historical Background: Cold War Era (1958-1990)
The relationship between Venezuela and the United States began during the Cold War. After 1958, when Venezuela underwent a democratic transition, Washington began to see Venezuela as the most reliable partner in Latin America. Venezuela had abundant oil reserves, a strategic geographical location, and a stable democracy. This was a perfect combination for the United States.
During this time, the US military mission operated directly at the largest military base in Venezuela. Very few countries in Latin America had such facilities. American advisors trained Venezuelan pilots and modernized the armed forces. Venezuela was even allowed to purchase advanced F-16 fighter jets at the time, which was a clear signal of American trust. There was coordination in joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and anti-drug operations.
In the early 1990s, if anyone had said that this relationship would soon turn into open hostility, they would have laughed. But everything changes in geopolitics. Venezuela was a key oil supplier to the United States, and this relationship strengthened America's control of Latin America. During this era, Venezuela benefited economically and militarily from its close ties with the United States. Oil revenues were used to fund social welfare projects, and American companies invested in Venezuelan oil fields. During this period, the relationship was stable and mutually beneficial.
The Rise of Hugo Chavez and Changing Relationships (1999-2013)
In 1999, Hugo Chavez was elected president, and this is where the story takes a major turn. Chávez began to reject the old system – its closeness to Washington, the influence of the oligarchs, and foreign economic influence. He called his movement the “Bolivian Revolution” and used the name of Simón Bolívar to create a narrative of anti-American resistance in Latin America. Simón Bolívar was the leader who gave countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia their independence from the Spanish Empire.
This was not just a political position; it was a complete ideological shift that was moving the whole of Latin America away from America. Within just two years of coming to power, Chavez ordered the end of American military cooperation and expelled American troops from Venezuela’s largest military base. America could not tolerate this quietly. Losing influence in its own backyard was a major humiliation for America.
In April 2002, a coup d'état took place against Chávez. America immediately recognized the interim government. But the coup was unsuccessful and collapsed within days. Chávez returned to power with even greater popularity. From there, the trust that had existed between America and Venezuela was destroyed. Venezuela blamed America for the coup, although Washington denied it. Venezuela then expelled the American ambassador, and the United States imposed an arms embargo.
As a result, Venezuela turned to Russia. Helicopters, aircraft, and defense contracts began to flow from Moscow. The 40-year partnership with America officially ended. Over the next two decades, Chávez deepened relations with Russia, China, and Iran. He expelled American-backed NGOs from the country. A major oil producer, so close to America, was aligning itself with America's rivals – this was the worst news for America. The close ties between Cuba and Russia were a stark reminder to the American government.
The Era of Nicolas Maduro and the Economic Crisis (2013-2023)
After the death of Chavez in 2013, Nicolas Maduro came to power. The economy was already in bad shape, corruption was rampant, sand ocial welfare programs were collapsing. Between 2014 and 2017, Venezuela fell into an economic collapse. Hyperinflation, food shortages, lack of medicine in hospitals – millions of people fled the country.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the US launched a maximum pressure strategy. Oil embargoes, asset seizures, and further sanctions were imposed. The aim was to put enough economic pressure on Maduro to force him to resign. But this strategy backfired. China became the main buyer of Venezuelan oil – to this day, China buys 80% of Venezuelan oil. Russia's influence also grew. American frustration reached its peak.
In 2023, some relief came under the Biden administration. The oil embargo was temporarily lifted, reforms were promised, and elections were held. But in the 2024 elections, Maduro acted like a good dictator – rigging the election and declaring himself the winner. The US immediately reimposed sanctions.
Trump's Second Term and Recent Escalation (2025-Present)
Trump returned to power in 2025, and the escalation began. In August 2025, Trump signed a secret order authorizing the Pentagon to use direct military force against drug cartels in Latin America. This was done without public debate.
The attacks in the Caribbean Sea began in the last week of September. At first, the US said that they were only targeting ships supplying illegal drugs. But as the days passed, the real US intentions became clear. Trump is now openly saying that the pressure will continue until Venezuela returns its stolen oil, land, and other assets.
Since September, close to 100 people have died in the Caribbean Sea, most of them in American attacks on Venezuelan ships. The US faces accusations of targeting Venezuelan citizens. The US has deployed the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to Venezuela, along with an entire fleet of more than 4,500 sailors and marines. This is not a military exercise; it is a full-scale military organization for war.
There have been 26 documented attacks in the Caribbean. The administration claims that these ships were carrying drugs and cartel members. Trump doubled the bounty on Maduro’s head to $50 million. Allegations are that Maduro is directly involved in cocaine trafficking. The escalation escalated in October 2025. Trump authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The goal is clear: to remove Maduro from power at any cost.
In the past few weeks, more than 26 Venezuelan ships have been attacked, and the US has imposed a blockade on oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. The goal is to change the regime in Venezuela and install a US-backed government. Trump wants Maduro to resign and call new elections, but Trump has said that if he doesn't, he will remove Maduro by force.
Comparison with Iraq: Same game, different country
The Venezuelan incident bears a striking resemblance to the US invasion of Iraq. After 1991, the US made various arguments for invading Iraq. First, it was said that Iraq was supporting terrorist groups, then it was said that democracy would be brought to Iraq, and finally, it was said that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. But after 20 years of war, terrorism has increased in the Middle East, Iraq has become unstable, and the influence of groups like ISIS has increased.
A similar argument is being made in Venezuela. The first argument: narco-terrorism. The Trump administration claims that Venezuela is a narco-terrorist state and that Maduro is smuggling drugs. But the main problem for America is fentanyl, which does not come from Venezuela. The second argument: national security threat. Venezuela has been compared to terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda, which ignore the rules of law enforcement. The third argument: democracy and dictatorship. Maduro rigged the 2024 election, which is true. But it sets a dangerous precedent that America reserves the right to remove dictators militarily.
Oil is a key factor in both Iraq and Venezuela. Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves, and it belongs to America. American companies have invested there for the past 50 years, but PDVSA was nationalized in 1976. Trump now says it’s theft, and he wants it all back. In fact, Trump wants to return Venezuela’s oil to American private companies, which will flow a lot of money into American business and politics. In addition, it will be a weapon against China, because China is Venezuela’s main oil buyer.
As in Iraq, America invaded Iraq on false charges of weapons of mass destruction. It was later proven that there were no weapons. There was no connection between Saddam and al-Qaeda. Terrorism in Iraq increased after the war. The same script is playing out in Venezuela.
America's Duplicity and Future Implications
Trump, who claims to have saved America from unnecessary wars during his first term, now wants to start a new war himself. But why? Because it's a question of oil. Morality and values have no value. The experience of Iraq, Afghanistan, Land ibya has shown that regime change pushes a country into anarchy.
This duplicity of America is obvious. They teach others lessons in democracy, but they themselves are bigots. The incident in Venezuela shows that there is very little difference between American friendship and hostility. Today, Pakistani leaders are fed in the White House; they can be thrown in jail.
If this war happens, the UN will say harsh words, but will do nothing. China may prevent it, but they will allow Venezuela to be attacked and later attack Taiwan and say that they did the same as America.
This story shows how dirty the truth of democracy in the world is. Whoever has the stick gets the oil. These actions by Trump will not only affect Venezuela but also the entire world. Will we see another Iraq? Time will tell.
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