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Trump approves CIA covert operations inside Venezuela: NY Times

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 19 November 2025 5:41 PM

US President Donald Trump has authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations inside Venezuela to destabilize the government of President Nicolás Maduro, in what officials say could be a prelude to military action, according to a report.

The New York Times reported that Trump has signed off on Central Intelligence Agency plans for clandestine measures in the Latin American nation, moves that sources say are designed to "prepare the battlefield" for possible military escalation.

The report comes as the US Navy deploys its largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean.

Citing multiple officials, the Times said the covert campaign could precede broader military action. On Monday, Trump threatened he was not ruling out sending US ground forces into Venezuela and accused Maduro of being a "terrorist."

On the same day, Maduro warned that any US intervention would mark the 'political end' of Trump's leadership. He reiterated that his government remains open to direct negotiations with Washington, calling diplomacy Caracas's "invariable" position.

Trump himself confirmed he is willing to speak with Maduro, saying, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out."

According to the Times, the Trump administration recently opened a secret back channel with the Venezuelan leader, but the talks have so far achieved nothing.

Since September, the US has carried out a series of lethal strikes on boats in waters off Central and South America, claiming they were transporting narcotics to the United States.

Trump's administration accuses Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking — allegations the Venezuelan government has repeatedly and firmly denied.

The US attacks have drawn sharp condemnation from former officials, analysts and international observers, who say Washington's militarized posture toward Venezuela exposes a familiar strategy of regime change in Latin America.

Carlos Ron, senior researcher at the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research and former Venezuelan deputy foreign minister for North America, told Press TV that accusing Maduro of drug trafficking is a deliberate attempt by Washington to justify military action without congressional approval.