U. S. Weighs Next Steps in Venezuela

President Trump recently hinted that he's close to deciding on a plan for Venezuela. This comes after several high-level meetings with his team to discuss possible military actions in the country. Key figures like Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine were part of these discussions. They have been presenting Trump with various options, including potential strikes on land. The U. S. has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of working with drug smugglers, a claim he denies. Over the past two months, the U. S. military has targeted vessels suspected of transporting drugs, resulting in at least 80 deaths. However, not all countries agree with the U. S. stance. Some Western European nations argue that there's not enough evidence directly linking Maduro to these drug cartels. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot even criticized the U. S. strikes, stating they violate international law. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has moved into the U. S. Southern Command's area, which covers the Caribbean and South America. This region is crucial for U. S. operations in Latin America. It's unclear what Trump's final decision will be, but the ongoing meetings suggest a significant focus on Venezuela. The situation remains tense, with varying international responses to the U. S. actions.