U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee Warns of Global Security Threat From Venezuela-Iran Ties

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated in an interview that the operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and charge him with criminal offenses has major implications for U.S. security and stability in the Middle East.

“Well, my first reaction was to say, praise the Lord and thank you, President [Donald] Trump,” Huckabee said.

Huckabee noted that many Americans may not see an immediate connection between Venezuela and the Middle East, but he emphasized that Hezbollah’s presence in Venezuela reveals a critical link to regional security concerns.

“A lot of people may not make the connection as to why this matters to us in the Middle East,” he explained. “What they don’t know is that Hezbollah is very active in Venezuela.”

Huckabee described a 20-year partnership between Iran and Venezuela, stating that Hezbollah operates across 12 countries throughout South America.

“The ties are deep,” Huckabee added. “Iran and Venezuela have maintained deep ties over roughly two decades.”

He further stressed that the threat extends beyond the Western Hemisphere, with Hezbollah’s activities relevant to Middle East security and potential risks to the United States.

“It is not just a threat in the Western Hemisphere. It is a threat to the Middle East,” Huckabee said. “Targeting Venezuelan networks also intersects with U.S. concerns about drug trafficking and violence stemming from narcotics.”

Huckabee described the operation as a step that could improve security conditions for Americans and those living in the Middle East, noting Hezbollah’s reach extends beyond attacks on Jewish targets.

“Using those tentacles to ultimately reach into the United States,” he said. “This is good news for America, good news for the world.”

The interview also addressed broader U.S. policy challenges in Venezuela and Gaza, including President Trump’s remarks that the United States would “run the country” in Venezuela until a transition can be completed. Huckabee stated any rebuilding effort would be difficult but framed U.S. involvement as uniquely capable.

“Yeah, it’s going to be a challenge,” he said. “But there’s no other nation on Earth that can do it.”

Huckabee pointed to improved day-to-day security conditions in the region, crediting pressure on Iranian-backed groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

“That’s because when you defeat the Iranian proxies, it makes a huge difference in just the way that people can live their lives,” he stated, calling the challenge global rather than regional.

On Iran, Huckabee noted internal strains and outside pressure have left the government vulnerable. He cited drought, shortages of water and electricity, economic distress, and inflation as contributing factors.

“The government is not strong,” Huckabee said. “So Iran is in a very, very vulnerable and weak place.”

Huckabee expressed hope for change within Iran rather than through external military action while warning that instability could lead to unpredictable decisions.

“Maybe the people will do it from within,” he added, calling that “the best solution of all.”