Iran, Colombia, Cuba and Russia on Saturday led a wave of international condemnation against the United States following a large-scale military strike on Venezuela, while Spain, Germany and Italy urged restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
The reactions came after US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flown him and his wife out of the country. Caracas swiftly denounced the action as an “extremely serious military aggression” and declared a state of emergency, as allies and regional neighbours voiced alarm over the development.
Iran
Iran, a close ally of oil-rich Venezuela, strongly criticised Washington, describing the strike as a blatant violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tehran said the US action undermined international law and regional stability.
Colombia
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the strike as an assault on Latin America’s sovereignty, warning that it could trigger a major humanitarian crisis. As Colombia currently holds a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, Petro called for an immediate emergency meeting of the body.
Cuba
Cuba, one of Venezuela’s longest-standing regional allies, denounced what it described as “state terrorism” against the Venezuelan people. President Miguel Díaz-Canel urged the international community to respond decisively to what he termed a criminal attack on Caracas.
Russia
Russia also strongly condemned the US action, calling it an act of armed aggression. In a statement, Moscow said the justifications offered by Washington were unacceptable and warned that ideological hostility had overridden diplomatic pragmatism.
Spain
Spain struck a more conciliatory tone, offering to mediate between the parties. Madrid called for de-escalation and restraint, saying it was ready to assist in pursuing a democratic, negotiated and peaceful solution to the crisis.
Germany
Germany said it was following developments with deep concern. Its foreign ministry confirmed that Berlin’s crisis team was in session and that it was coordinating closely with international partners while maintaining contact with its embassy in Caracas.
Italy
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government was closely monitoring the situation. Her office noted that Rome was in constant communication with the foreign minister, particularly to assess the safety of Italian citizens in Venezuela.
US Democratic lawmakers
Within the United States, Democratic senators also criticised the operation. Senator Brian Schatz said Washington had no vital national interest in Venezuela that justified war, while Senator Ruben Gallego described the action as illegal and unnecessary, warning against another foreign military entanglement.
Bolivia
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales, a close ally of Caracas, forcefully rejected the US bombardment, accusing Washington of aggression against a sovereign nation.
As diplomatic pressure mounts, calls for restraint and international mediation continue to grow amid fears that the crisis could further destabilise the region.
