US Captures Maduro, Iran Faces Setback

The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, after carrying out a series of airstrikes under Operation Absolute Resolve. This development is seen as a major setback for Iran, which is already dealing with serious problems at home.

The timing of Maduro’s fall has come at a difficult moment for Iran. In late December, protests broke out across Iran after the country’s currency, the rial, fell to record low levels. The demonstrations have now spread to at least 17 of Iran’s 31 provinces. The unrest has turned violent in some areas, with at least 16 people killed so far.

Venezuela had been one of Iran’s closest and most important allies in the Western Hemisphere. Over the years, the two countries signed more than 260 agreements in areas such as energy, industry, and trade. Both governments described their relationship as a strong alliance based on their shared opposition to the United States. Iranian sources said trade between the two countries was worth about $3 billion.

Cooperation also included sensitive sectors, such as oil production and defence-related technology. Some of these projects involved organisations linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. With Maduro’s removal, Iran is now worried about the future of its billions of dollars in investments and unpaid financial claims in Venezuela.

This uncertainty comes at a time when Iran is facing a deep economic crisis and a shortage of foreign currency. The collapse of friendly governments — including Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and now Maduro’s government in Venezuela — has weakened Iran’s confidence on the global stage.

For both Iran and Venezuela, their partnership had been especially important as they faced international sanctions. Maduro’s capture has now raised serious questions in Tehran about Iran’s influence and position in the changing world order.