Venezuela’s interim president has offered to “collaborate” with the United States following stark warnings from US President Donald Trump that further American strikes against Venezuelan targets remain a possibility, sharply escalating pressure on the country’s embattled leadership and reshaping the diplomatic landscape in Latin America.
An appeal framed as cooperation, not submission
Speaking through representatives and allied political channels, the interim administration said it was prepared to work with Washington to stabilise the country and address security concerns, emphasising cooperation rather than dependency. The offer was framed as a pragmatic response to an increasingly volatile situation, with Venezuela facing political fragmentation, economic collapse and rising international isolation. The interim leader, recognised by several Western and regional governments, positioned the outreach as an attempt to avert further violence while accelerating a political transition.
Trump’s warning sets the tone
The overture came shortly after Trump warned that US military action against Venezuela could continue if Washington deemed it necessary. While no specific targets or timelines were outlined, the president’s language suggested that the recent operation was not necessarily a one-off event. The warning reinforced the administration’s stance that Venezuela represents not only a humanitarian crisis but also a security threat linked to organised crime and narcotics trafficking.
Domestic legitimacy and international backing
For the interim government, the offer to collaborate with the United States serves multiple objectives. Domestically, it signals resolve and international relevance at a time when authority inside Venezuela remains contested. Internationally, it aims to reassure allies that the opposition leadership is prepared to act responsibly and in coordination with global partners. The interim president, widely associated with opposition figure Juan Guaidó, has long argued that external pressure is essential to break the grip of entrenched power structures in Caracas.
Risks of deeper US involvement
Critics inside and outside Venezuela warn that closer alignment with Washington could carry significant risks. Any perception of acting at the behest of the United States risks fuelling nationalist backlash and strengthening hardline elements within the existing power apparatus. Regional governments, while critical of Venezuela’s leadership, remain cautious about overt military involvement by the US, mindful of the region’s history of intervention and its long-term consequences.
Regional reactions closely watched
Across Latin America, reactions have been mixed. Some governments privately welcome stronger pressure on Caracas, hoping it could hasten political change. Others fear that escalating rhetoric and the prospect of further strikes could destabilise the wider region, spill over borders and undermine fragile diplomatic efforts. The interim president’s language of “collaboration” appears calibrated to ease these concerns, stressing coordination and shared objectives rather than unilateral action.
A narrow diplomatic window
Whether the offer leads to tangible cooperation remains uncertain. Washington has yet to respond formally, and any engagement would likely be conditional on clear political commitments and reforms. For now, the episode highlights how Venezuela’s crisis has entered a new phase, where military threats, diplomatic manoeuvring and interim authority intersect. The coming weeks may determine whether collaboration becomes a pathway to de-escalation or merely another chapter in an intensifying standoff.
Newshub Editorial in South America – 6 January 2026
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