Donald Trump has sharply escalated tensions on the world stage following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces.
In the days since the operation, the American president has issued a series of stark warnings aimed at countries across the Americas and beyond, declaring that the United States is ready to prove its dominance in the Western hemisphere.
For a UK audience, these developments matter. Several of the countries named are NATO allies, major trading partners, or key players in global energy markets that directly affect British households, fuel prices, and security planning.
What sparked Trump’s latest threats?
The immediate trigger was the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro in a US military operation over the weekend.
Maduro is due to appear in a New York court at 5pm GMT, where he faces charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of military-grade weapons.
If convicted, US prosecutors say he could face decades in prison or even life sentences. Following the arrest, Trump publicly framed the operation as a message to the wider region.
WTF / BREAKING
This map is real. And it’s insane.
Since the Venezuela strike, Trump has threatened or warned:
Greenland. Mexico. Cuba. Colombia. Iran.That’s five countries in 48 hours.
This isn’t deterrence. It’s a threat matrix.
19th-century imperialism, livestreamed from… pic.twitter.com/mRuCr3QTWl— P a u l ◉ (@SkylineReport) January 6, 2026
“American dominance in the Western hemisphere will never be questioned again.” Donald Trump. That statement set the tone for a broader warning directed at multiple governments.
Why has Venezuela become a flashpoint?
Venezuela has been under sustained US pressure for several months. Washington claims Venezuelan-linked vessels have been transporting large quantities of narcotics towards North America, prompting maritime strikes and a major build-up of US military assets near the country’s Caribbean coastline.
The seizure of Maduro and his wife reportedly took place inside their home on a military base, underlining the scale of US intelligence involvement. Alongside military action, the US has tightened oil sanctions and blocked sanctioned tankers.
For the UK, disruption to Venezuelan oil exports feeds into global energy volatility, which can push up petrol prices and household energy bills.
Is Colombia at risk of US military action?
Trump has openly suggested Colombia could be the next target. The US president has repeatedly clashed with Colombian leader Gustavo Petro, accusing him of failing to control cocaine production and allowing criminal networks to thrive.
Colombia has also absorbed millions of Venezuelan refugees, increasing social and economic pressure in the region.
Speaking to reporters, Trump used unusually harsh language when discussing Petro, and was asked directly whether military action was being considered. “It sounds good to me… because they kill a lot of people.” Donald Trump
From a UK perspective, instability in Colombia matters because the country is a growing trade partner under post-Brexit agreements, particularly in agriculture, energy, and raw materials.
Why does Mexico remain a Trump target?
Mexico has long featured in Trump’s foreign policy rhetoric. He has repeatedly blamed the Mexican government for failing to stop drug trafficking and irregular migration into the United States, claiming narcotics are “pouring” across the border.
Since October 2024, Mexico has been led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump has claimed he offered US military support to tackle powerful drug cartels, remarks that drew a swift and firm response from Mexico City.
“We categorically reject intervention in the internal matters of other countries,” Claudia Sheinbaum
For British consumers, tension between the US and Mexico can disrupt global supply chains, particularly in manufacturing and automotive parts that eventually reach UK markets.
Why has Greenland alarmed NATO allies?
Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland has caused concern across Europe. The mineral-rich, self-governing territory forms part of the Danish kingdom, making Denmark, and by extension NATO, central to the issue.
Trump has argued that Greenland is vital for US defence interests, while senior figures close to his administration have posted provocative messages on social media following the Venezuela operation. Denmark’s prime minister has publicly rejected any suggestion of annexation.
“The United States has no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom.” Mette Frederiksen
The UK, as a NATO member, would be directly affected by any serious rift between alliance partners.
How serious are Trump’s warnings to Iran?
Iran remains one of Trump’s most consistent adversaries. Last year, the US joined Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
More recently, Trump has commented on protests across Iran linked to rising living costs, during which at least eight people have reportedly been killed.
Posting online, Trump warned that the US was ready to act if Iranian authorities continued to use violence. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.” Donald Trump
Any escalation with Iran carries global consequences. For the UK, the biggest risk lies in potential disruption to oil shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
Is Cuba facing renewed US pressure?
Cuba has also come into Trump’s sights following Maduro’s arrest. US officials have pointed to Havana’s long-standing support for the Venezuelan government, while highlighting Cuba’s reliance on Venezuelan oil supplies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the island was entering a dangerous period, while Trump claimed Cuba’s economy was close to collapse. “Cuba literally is ready to fall.” Donald Trump
For the UK, instability in Cuba could affect the wider Caribbean, including British overseas territories and regional migration patterns.
