Qatar said it was ready to help seek a peaceful solution in Venezuela after Washington announced a high-risk operation aimed at detaining President Nicolás Maduro, a move that has intensified diplomatic shockwaves across Latin America and the Middle East.Doha expressed “deep concern” over the escalation, warning that unilateral military actions risk widening instability in a country already gripped by prolonged political and economic turmoil. The foreign ministry said Qatar stood prepared to engage with all sides to reduce tensions, underline respect for sovereignty and encourage dialogue as the safest path forward.
The statement followed confirmation from the White House that US President Donald Trump had authorised an operation targeting Venezuela’s leadership, citing alleged threats to regional security and long-standing accusations of drug trafficking and democratic backsliding. Officials in Washington framed the action as limited in scope, but the announcement rattled markets and triggered sharp reactions from governments wary of another flashpoint in the Americas.
Caracas rejected the US move as an act of aggression and vowed to resist any attempt to remove the government by force. State media reported heightened security measures around key institutions, while senior officials accused Washington of violating international law. The opposition, fragmented after years of internal divisions and pressure, offered cautious statements urging restraint and a negotiated transition.
Qatar’s intervention reflects its expanding diplomatic footprint beyond the Gulf. Over the past decade, Doha has positioned itself as a broker in conflicts where direct channels have broken down, leveraging ties with Washington alongside relationships with governments often at odds with the United States. Qatari officials emphasised that mediation, not alignment with any camp, would guide their approach on Venezuela.
Regional responses have been mixed. Several Latin American governments called for de-escalation and respect for international norms, while others echoed US concerns about governance in Caracas without endorsing military action. Mexico and Brazil stressed the need for political dialogue, and Colombia tightened border security amid fears of spillover effects.
The crisis comes at a delicate moment for Venezuela’s economy. Oil exports, the backbone of state revenue, remain constrained by sanctions and underinvestment, even as global energy markets stay volatile. Any disruption to production or shipping could have knock-on effects for global supply, analysts warned, particularly if tensions deter foreign partners or provoke retaliatory measures.
Qatar, one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, has a strategic interest in global energy stability. Officials in Doha privately noted that conflict-driven shocks tend to reverberate far beyond their immediate theatres, affecting prices, shipping lanes and investor confidence. That calculus, diplomats say, partly explains Qatar’s swift public call for calm.
Washington’s decision has also revived debate within international institutions over the limits of coercive measures. Legal scholars point to the absence of a clear multilateral mandate, arguing that enforcement actions against a sitting head of state set a contentious precedent. Supporters of the US stance counter that years of stalled diplomacy and alleged criminal conduct left few alternatives.
Qatar’s message avoided legal judgements, instead urging all parties to prioritise civilian protection and open channels for negotiation. The foreign ministry said Doha was in contact with regional and international partners to explore confidence-building steps that could avert further confrontation.
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