#WorldCurrentAffairs

Charcha e Khas by Retd Judge Subash Gupta with Dr Parveen Yog Raj on
world current affairs being dominating by a major U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and escalating threats of a similar strike against Iran.
U.S. Military Intervention in Venezuela
Attack and Capture: On January 3, 2026, the United States launched precision airstrikes on Caracas and captured President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro was subsequently taken to New York to face long-standing narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges.
Current Status: President Donald Trump claimed the U.S. is "in charge" of Venezuela until a "proper and judicious transition" can occur. Although a second wave of attacks was reportedly canceled, thousands of U.S. troops remain involved in what has been described as a "decisive" operation that neutralized Venezuela's air defenses.
International Reaction: The intervention has sparked global condemnation. Brazil and Colombia called it a "flagrant violation of international law". Meanwhile, domestic critics in the U.S. have questioned the legality of the operation conducted without congressional oversight.
Escalating Tensions with Iran
Imminent Strike Threats: Following the Venezuelan operation, the Trump administration has intensified threats against Iran, citing a "red line" crossed during the Iranian government's violent crackdown on nationwide protests.
Military Readiness: Reports indicate that U.S. and allied personnel have been relocated from key bases like Al-Udeid in Qatar, signaling that a strike may be imminent. Analysts suggest that while Venezuela's defenses were easily bypassed, an attack on Iran would be significantly more complex and risky.
Iran's Response: Iran has "strongly condemned" the attack on its ally Venezuela, calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Iranian leaders have warned that they will respond to any U.S. aggression, while the Iranian navy has deployed warships into the Atlantic Ocean as a rare show of force.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has renewed his push for American control of Greenland, a mineral-rich and strategically important Arctic island that is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally. While Trump insists the move is essential for US security, experts say any attempt to take over Greenland would face serious political, legal and diplomatic obstacles.
Global and Economic Impact
Oil Markets: Traders are closely watching the situation as Iran produces three times more oil than Venezuela. Fears of a Middle East conflict initially caused oil prices to spike, though they recently stabilized after signs that the U.S. might be reconsidering an immediate strike.
Geopolitical Realignment: The fall of the Maduro regime has left billions in Iranian investments in Venezuela in an uncertain state, further straining the already fragile Iranian economy.