Donald Trump Aims to Make Iran Like Venezuela
A brutal and lethal assault from Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday 28 February has shocked the world.
US President Donald Trump stated that the American operation conducted against Venezuela could serve as an example in addressing power dynamics in Iran. In an interview with The New York Times, Trump referred to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the United States as the perfect scenario.
“What we did in Venezuela, in my opinion, is the perfect scenario, absolutely perfect,” Trump said, as cited in the interview.
This statement suggested that a similar approach could be applied in the Iranian context. Following the US military assault on Iran, Trump also stated that he has identified several potential candidates to lead the nation in the future.
“I have three very good options,” Trump said.
However, he refused to disclose the identity of these candidates.
“I will not reveal it now. Let us complete the task first,” he said.
Trump also declined to provide assurances of protection to Iranian citizens, despite previously calling on the Iranian people to overthrow their government.
“I am not making any commitments in any way,” he said.
Trump also left open the possibility of lifting sanctions against Iran if new leadership in the country demonstrates a more pragmatic approach.
Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, Chair of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), stated that the risks from a US attack on Iran stem not only from market sentiment but also from potential disruptions to global energy and trade routes.
Trump stated that US military operations will continue with full force.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that only 25% of US citizens support the strike on Iran. The risk of soaring fuel prices and military casualties poses a threat to Trump’s political position.
China’s government expressed deep concern over the military assault on Iran conducted by the United States and Israel.
Nine people were reported killed and 40 others injured in clashes between police forces and protesters at the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan.
The international community was shocked by major escalation in the Middle East in early March 2026.
Tensions between the United States and Iran reached their peak after the last diplomatic effort in Geneva ended without agreement.
Trump stated that US military operations against Iran are estimated to last approximately four weeks, or possibly even shorter.