Overall Highlights

• Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have escalated due to drone attacks and sanctions related to arms trade with Iran.
• Venezuelan President Maduro claims that U.S. media spreads false information about his government, while U.S. sources focus on sanctions and military actions.
• Both sides are engaged in a war of narratives, with Venezuela accusing the U.S. of aggression and the U.S. highlighting Venezuela’s ties to Iran and drug trafficking.
• Recent sanctions by the U.S. target individuals and firms linked to drone and missile trades between Iran and Venezuela, reflecting ongoing geopolitical concerns.
• Maduro’s government is attempting to project an image of resilience and economic ambition despite international pressures.

Venezuelan Perspective (Venezuelan Sources)

• Maduro remains silent on the U.S. drone attack, suggesting a strategy of minimizing panic.
• The Venezuelan government accuses the U.S. of spreading ‘fake news’ about its efforts to combat drug trafficking and its economic situation.
• Maduro claims that U.S. sanctions are failing to isolate Venezuela, as sanctioned oil tankers continue to arrive despite U.S. pressure.
• Venezuela aims to become a major food exporter, showcasing a shift in economic strategy amidst sanctions.

United States Perspective (United States Sources)

• The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Venezuela and Iran, citing concerns over drone and missile proliferation.
• Reports indicate that the U.S. is actively pursuing Venezuelan oil tankers that are allegedly under Russian protection.
• U.S. officials emphasize the need to counteract Venezuela’s military cooperation with Iran, which poses a regional security threat.
• The Trump administration is portrayed as taking a hardline stance against Venezuela, focusing on military and economic pressures.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [es-VE] ¿Qué se sabe del primer ataque de EE.UU. en Venezuela ejecutado por la CIA con drones? (y por qué Maduro guarda silencio) - El Comercio Perú (12/31/2025)
2. [es-VE] Maduro acusa a EU de difundir “noticias falsas” sobre Venezuela; presume que su gobierno combate al narcotráfico - El Universal (12/31/2025)
3. [es-VE] Venezuela-Estados Unidos HOY, EN VIVO: últimas noticias del conflicto entre Maduro y Trump, este martes 30 de diciembre - Clarin.com (12/31/2025)
4. [es-VE] Maduro dice que en Estados Unidos se transmiten “noticias falsas” sobre Venezuela - ABC (12/31/2025)
5. [es-VE] Maduro afirma que los medios de comunicación en Estados Unidos divulgan mentiras sobre Venezuela - El Nacional (12/31/2025)
6. [es-VE] Reuters: Buques petroleros sancionados llegan a Venezuela pese a presión de Estados Unidos - El Nacional (12/31/2025)
7. [es-VE] Un petrolero perseguido por Estados Unidos en el Caribe pintó una bandera rusa en un intento de escape - EL PAÍS (12/30/2025)
8. [es-VE] Maduro dijo que gana 120 dólares y que su esposa le administra el “sueldito” - El Litoral (12/30/2025)
9. [es-VE] EEUU: Sanciones a Irán y Venezuela, por drones y misiles - La Nación (12/30/2025)
10. [es-VE] Maduro quiere ahora convertir a Venezuela en «gran potencia exportadora de alimentos» - La Prensa - Noticias de Nicaragua y el mundo (12/30/2025)
11. [en-US] Trump Administration Updates: Tanker Pursued by U.S. Claims Russian Protection, Officials Say - The New York Times (12/31/2025)
12. [en-US] ‘Reckless Proliferation’: US Sanctions 10 Linked To Iran And Venezuela Drone, Missile Trade - News18 (12/31/2025)
13. [en-US] ^GSPC Today, December 30: Venezuela Strike Lifts Oil and Shipping Risk - Meyka (12/31/2025)
14. [en-US] US issues sanctions related to Iran and Venezuela weapons trade - Red Lake Nation News (12/31/2025)
15. [en-US] Trump Pushes Venezuela - The New York Times (12/31/2025)
16. [en-US] US sanctions Venezuelan firm for assembling and maintaining Iranian drones - FlightGlobal (12/31/2025)
17. [en-US] US sanctions 10 people, firms from Iran, Venezuela over drone, missile trade - WPLG Local 10 (12/30/2025)
18. [en-US] National politics: U.S. places new sanctions on Venezuela and Iran - kcentv.com (12/30/2025)
19. [en-US] US continues to pressure adversaries with new sanctions on Venezuela, Iran - 9News (12/30/2025)
20. [en-US] Iran-Venezuela arms trade triggers U.S. sanctions - upi.com (12/30/2025)