U.S. captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in operation.

The United States conducted a dramatic military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

“Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Shikli commented on the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying that this move 'is not good news for the people of Caracas alone, but also constitutes a deadly blow to the global axis of evil and a clear message to Khamenei'”

Iranintl

U.S. President Donald Trump described it as 'one of the most astonishing, effective, and powerful displays of American military power in the country's history.'

Iranintl

Trump emphasized that the operation was carried out under his direct order with U.S. forces participating by air, land, and sea.

The operation targeted a 'heavily fortified military fortress in the heart of Caracas' with the aim of bringing Maduro to justice.

The operation coincided with the six-year anniversary of Trump's assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.

Trump explicitly referenced multiple military campaigns as comparable achievements, including the Soleimani strike, the attack on Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities in the 'Midnight Hammer' operation.

Israeli officials immediately interpreted the Maduro capture as a significant strategic message to Iran.

They framed it as part of a broader effort against what they described as the 'global axis of evil.'

The Jerusalem Post

Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Shikli commented that the arrest 'is not good news for the people of Caracas alone, but also constitutes a deadly blow to the global axis of evil and a clear message to Khamenei.'

Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli similarly stated that the operation delivered a blow to the 'global axis of evil' and sent a 'clear message' to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Chikli claimed that 'Maduro did not run a country, he ran a crime and drug empire that directly fueled Hezbollah and Iran.'

Yesh Atid leader also issued a stark warning, stating that 'The regime in Iran should pay attention to what is happening in Venezuela.'

The Maduro operation occurred amid significant domestic unrest in Iran.

“Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Shikli commented on the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying that this move 'is not good news for the people of Caracas alone, but also constitutes a deadly blow to the global axis of evil and a clear message to Khamenei'”

Iranintl

The Islamic regime has been facing persistent protests and economic crises.

Iran has been suffering from civil unrest since Sunday amid a dramatically weakening rial, water shortages, and a regime with a weakened image after the 12-day war with the U.S. and Israel.

The professional association of working and retired teachers in Kermanshah announced support for the popular protests.

They pointed to economic problems and the Iranian regime's deficits, stating that 'the only option available to the people to get out of the current miserable situation is protests and popular strikes against the harsh and intolerable conditions that have driven the lives of the majority of society to the abyss of ruin and death.'

Iranian merchants also issued calls for continued protests, with Tehran merchants gathering to 'continue this great uprising alongside the Iranian people until the ultimate goal is reached.'

Iranian officials responded to the Maduro capture with strong condemnation and warnings about regional consequences.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement criticizing the U.S. military operation as a 'blatant violation of the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.'

The Jerusalem Post

They called on the United Nations to condemn Washington's actions.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei broke his silence on X, posting remarks after several days of quiet.

Khamenei stated that 'What's important is when one realizes an enemy wants to force something on one's govt.'

A member of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council, Mostafa Mirsalim, warned that any interference would undermine peace and stability in the region.

Mirsalim specifically stressed that 'the American president, Donald Trump, should prepare himself to be held accountable for the killing of Qasem Soleimani, and bear responsibility for leading what he described as the 12-day war.'

The Maduro capture operation has been interpreted as part of a broader strategy demonstrating U.S. willingness to use military force.

“Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Shikli commented on the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying that this move 'is not good news for the people of Caracas alone, but also constitutes a deadly blow to the global axis of evil and a clear message to Khamenei'”

Iranintl

Observers see it potentially pursuing regime change as a strategic objective.

Iranintl

The operation coincided with Trump's aggressive warnings to Iran about its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Trump stated that if Iran was 'behaving badly,' 'we'll knock them down. We'll knock the hell out of them.'

Trump also issued direct warnings to Iran about its handling of domestic protests.

He cautioned that if Iranian security forces killed protesters, 'the United States of America will come to their rescue.'

Israeli analysts noted that 'The American action in Venezuela is a warning to the regime in Iran.'

The operation's timing on the Soleimani anniversary and comparison to previous military strikes suggests a deliberate strategy of signaling U.S. resolve.