US-Venezuela: The US arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has sparked fear and concern in anti-American countries around the world. Find out which leaders fear they could be next.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

The United States entered Venezuela and arrested President Nicolas Maduro in a major military operation called Operation Absolute Resolve. Maduro was arrested in his bedroom, handcuffed, and transported directly to New York.

This action has sparked a global political uproar. Leaders of many countries are now apprehensive that the US might take similar action against them. Maduro's arrest has raised alarm among countries with anti-US stances. Leaders of some of these countries are increasing their contacts with powerful nations like Russia and China, concerned about their own security, to avoid any potential US action.

Iran mounts pressure on Khamenei.

Iran has long openly opposed the United States. Slogans like "Death to America" ​​have been common there since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In recent months, Iran has been facing a severe economic crisis, leading to large protests across the country. These protests now include slogans like "Death to the Dictator." US President Donald Trump has supported these demonstrations, which Iran has labeled an external conspiracy. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has taken a firm stance and ordered the movement to be suppressed.

Colombia: Gustavo Petro's fiery rhetoric

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who will come to power in 2022 and is the country's first leftist president, is also reportedly a target of the US. Petro has even called Donald Trump a war criminal and urged US troops to disobey Trump's orders. It is believed that the US will wait until the 2026 US elections before taking any major action in Colombia.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un issues a stern warning.

The strongest reaction to the US action against Venezuela has come from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, direct access to North Korea is difficult for the US, as it borders Russia and China. Furthermore, Kim's nuclear weapons could make any US response extremely dangerous.

Cuba, the old front against the US

Cuba is one of the oldest anti-American countries. President Miguel Diaz-Canel has described US actions in Venezuela as state-sponsored terrorism. Large protests erupted in Cuban streets, and thousands gathered in front of the US embassy. Cuba is now strengthening its ties with Russia, China, and Iran.

Belarus: Lukashenko's power and the shadow of Russia

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has been in power since 1994 and is Europe's longest-serving leader. His victory in the 2025 elections was also marred by allegations of fraud, just as Maduro's was. However, any attack on Belarus would be perceived as an attack on Russia. Therefore, the likelihood of direct US action is considered low.

Maduro's arrest becomes a warning sign

The arrest of Nicolas Maduro has made it clear that the US no longer wants to limit itself to pressure politics. This incident has alerted all countries and leaders who openly oppose US policies. Global politics may become even more tense in the future.