Maduro Alerts UN Chief to US ‘Direct Threat’ Against Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has raised what he described as a “direct threat” from the United States in a conversation with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, following recent remarks by President Donald Trump claiming that Venezuela’s oil belonged to Washington. According to a statement from Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry, Maduro said such comments must be “categorically rejected by the United Nations system,” arguing that they undermine national sovereignty, international law, and global peace.

During the exchange, Maduro also denounced what he called sustained political, economic, and diplomatic pressure against Venezuela. He criticized the US seizure of a vessel carrying Venezuelan oil, describing the move as a form of “diplomacy of barbarism,” and warned that such actions risk escalating tensions and destabilizing the region.

For his part, Guterres expressed solidarity with Venezuela and emphasized the need to avoid any escalation or confrontation, according to Caracas. The UN chief also committed to closely follow developments, with Venezuelan officials indicating that the issue will be raised at the UN Security Council, where Venezuela plans to push for de-escalation and a diplomatic approach to resolving the dispute.