Latin American leaders and the United Nations have urged restraint as tensions rise over US threats to block Venezuelan oil shipments. The dispute intensified after President Trump announced a designation of Maduro’s government as a "foreign terrorist organisation," a $50m reward, and plans to block sanctioned tankers. Regional leaders, including Brazil's Lula and Mexico's Sheinbaum, called for diplomacy and UN engagement, while UN experts raised concerns about recent maritime strikes and potential violations of international law.
Latin Leaders and UN Urge Restraint As US–Venezuela Oil Standoff Risks Regional Escalation
Supporters of Venezuela's government protest against US President Donald Trump in Caracas, Venezuela, on December 17 [Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters]
Senior officials across Latin America and representatives at the United Nations have expressed alarm over rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela centered on the future of Venezuelan oil exports. The dispute deepened as Venezuela’s National Assembly convened in response to US threats of a full blockade on tankers serving Venezuelan ports.
Regional Reaction And Calls For De‑Escalation
Oil remains Venezuela’s principal export and underpins much of its economy. Analysts warn that threats to sever Venezuela from international oil markets could further destabilise the country and intensify political pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The situation has prompted urgent appeals for calm from international figures, including UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres.
Through UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, Guterres urged Washington and Caracas to "honour their obligations under international law" and to "safeguard peace in the region." Guterres also spoke with President Maduro by telephone to reiterate the need for both parties to respect international legal norms.
Statements From Regional Leaders
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum questioned whether the UN had done enough to prevent a wider conflict, saying: "I call on the United Nations to fulfil its role. It has not been present. It must assume its role to prevent any bloodshed." Sheinbaum echoed calls for dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he had spoken with President Trump and urged a diplomatic path forward. He offered Brazil's services as a mediator and emphasised that "the power of words can be worth more than the power of weapons." Lula noted Brazil shares a northern border with Venezuela and has reopened diplomatic ties with Maduro's government.
US Measures And Allegations
On his social platform, President Donald Trump announced he had designated Maduro's government a "foreign terrorist organisation" and threatened "a TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela." He also announced a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. The US has reportedly deployed roughly 15,000 troops to the Caribbean and positioned aircraft and naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.
US authorities say they seized a tanker off Venezuela’s coast last week, asserting the vessel had been sanctioned and that its cargo would remain in US custody. These actions follow a longer campaign of sanctions and pressure the US labels as a "maximum pressure" policy against the Maduro administration.
Maritime Violence And Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organisations and UN experts have accused Maduro’s government of abuses including arbitrary detention and excessive force against protesters. Conversely, critics of the US have warned that Washington’s actions risk expanding executive power and escalating violence in the Caribbean.
Since September 2, US operations at sea have reportedly struck multiple boats and maritime vessels in an anti‑drug campaign; UN experts estimate about 95 people may have been killed in those operations, describing some incidents as resembling extrajudicial killings and raising questions about compliance with international law. Independent verification of all reported incidents remains limited.
What Comes Next?
Regional leaders and the UN are calling for immediate diplomatic engagement, transparency, and restraint on all sides to prevent military escalation and protect civilian lives. Brazil has offered to mediate communications with Caracas, while Mexico has pressed the UN to take a more active role in preventing bloodshed. The international community continues to monitor developments closely.
