High-level political sources view the American military intervention in Venezuela as an extraordinary and highly consequential event in the international arena, one that far transcends the regional context of Latin America. In their assessment, the operation carries far-reaching global implications that directly and indirectly affect the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance,” including Hizbullah and Hamas, and, to a secondary extent, Israel.
The Arab world reacted with initial shock but, for the most part, avoided sharp public criticism. Analysts in Arab media outlets suggest that many governments are reluctant to engage in direct confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump and fear that similar actions could be taken against Arab regimes perceived in Washington as problematic. Some commentators even interpret the American move as an important precedent that advances regional stability by curbing radical actors.
Notably, even Arab states with traditionally strong ties to Venezuela, such as Algeria, refrained from condemning the American action. Turkey, by contrast, issued a formal denunciation of the operation. Meanwhile, the Arab public sphere—particularly social media—emerged as the primary arena of opposition, with the overwhelming majority of online discourse condemning the intervention.
Senior Israeli security officials assess that the cautious response from Arab governments has weakened Iran’s ability to mobilize broad regional and international support for its axis. According to these officials, Venezuela has for years served as a critical logistical, financial, and ideological hub for Iran and Hizbullah beyond the Middle East. Hizbullah, in particular, made extensive use of Venezuela through informal economic networks, trade infrastructure, money-laundering channels, operational footholds, and transit routes to destinations worldwide.
The American operation in Venezuela—initiated with the detention of President Nicolás Maduro—directly undermines Iran’s and Hizbullah’s capacity to exploit the country for such purposes and significantly constrains their global freedom of maneuver.
Security officials believe the operation sends Iran a clear message on two levels. The first is strategic: the United States is prepared to employ military force even in geographically distant theaters in order to strike states it views as serving as bases for the anti-Western axis. This constitutes a sharp signal regarding Washington’s limited tolerance for Iranian-sponsored terrorism and subversion worldwide. The second message is psychological. The operation serves as a direct signal to protesters inside Iran, demonstrating that the United States is not merely offering rhetorical support but is willing to act decisively against hostile and oppressive regimes. Such a message may bolster the confidence and perceived legitimacy of protest movements within Iran.
A senior security source stated that President Trump’s operation in Venezuela delivered a deterrent message to Iran no less significant than a direct strike on its nuclear facilities, as it speaks directly to the survival prospects of the Ayatollah regime. He further assessed that potential American control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves diminishes Iran’s ability to threaten the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against global energy supplies.
The American move also has implications for Hamas. Although Hamas does not depend on Venezuela to the same extent as Hizbullah, it remains an integral component of the Iran-led axis. Any reduction in Iran’s ability to operate in distant arenas, launder funds, or sustain global support networks inevitably affects Hamas as well—particularly in the realms of financing, strategic messaging, and international legitimacy.
The U.S. intervention in Venezuela also indirectly benefits Israel, a close American ally. Israel gains from the strengthening of the camp with which it is aligned. American deterrence on the global stage has been reinforced, and the message of U.S. resolve reverberates throughout the Middle East. This renewed deterrence indirectly supports Israel in its confrontation with Iran and its proxies. In this sense, Israel reaps strategic benefits from the operation without incurring direct diplomatic or security costs.
In conclusion, the American operation in Venezuela strengthens the Western position in the broader confrontation with the Iranian axis, even if it does not immediately alter the military balance in the Middle East.
