Changes in Venezuela and Iran Mark a Turning Point

Recent actions, particularly those taken by President Trump’s administration in Venezuela, have made America and the broader world a bit safer.

On the sixth anniversary of the removal of Iran’s Quds Force commander, Qasem Soleimani—an operation I had the honor of being part of as Secretary of State—the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro marks a significant step in addressing threats against the United States. Maduro is essentially a fugitive; he has managed to hold onto power by stealing two elections. The rightful leader of Venezuela is, in fact, the democratic opposition candidate, Edmundo González, who won the 2024 election.

This American endeavor to end Maduro’s regime could lead to less drug trafficking from Venezuela to American streets. It also holds the potential to create a safer, more prosperous region while aligning with U.S. interests.

Clearly, Maduro’s authoritarian supporters, especially in Tehran, might be feeling a little less secure right now. The Iranian regime, which has also been weakened by U.S. pressure, might find itself on the brink of collapse.

The simultaneous decline of both of these regimes would benefit not only the citizens of Venezuela and Iran but also the United States and the international community. What comes next is crucial. If approached correctly, this situation could ignite a historic shift toward positive global change.

However, supporting democratic transitions in both countries is essential to ensure that stable, pro-American governments emerge, reflecting the will of the people.

The alliance among authoritarian states such as China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea has long been a strategy to avoid international repercussions and to bolster each other’s undemocratic actions. For instance, just before his capture by Delta Force, Maduro hosted a Chinese delegation, and many of his security forces consist of Cubans.

Such actions embody the illegitimacy of these regimes, which do not reflect the desires of their citizens but rather the will of those who rule through oppression.

At this moment, it’s still uncertain what a transitional government in Venezuela will look like. We do know that Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s vice president, has assumed the presidency. On the other hand, Democratic leader María Colina Machado has stated that González, the legitimate president, has taken on the role of commander-in-chief.

It would be detrimental to U.S. aims to permit an illegitimate leader to hold power. This is a pivotal time for the Venezuelan people, and as Machado poignantly expressed, “the time for freedom has come.”

This entails embracing Edmundo González and Maria Colina Machado in the transitional government, establishing a path toward free elections, and restoring the freedoms of the Venezuelan populace while providing a framework for rebuilding a once-great democracy ravaged by years of socialism.

Looking over to Iran, it’s clear that the fall of Maduro may galvanize the Iranian populace, and we should be prepared to offer our full support.

The current surge of protests against the Iranian regime might achieve what past movements couldn’t: the downfall of this oppressive theocracy. The end of the Islamic Republic seems inevitable, whether it occurs today, tomorrow, or five years from now. But what will come next is still an open question.

Fortunately, Iran boasts a well-organized democratic opposition with actionable plans for a democratic transition. The Iranian people have consistently indicated that they seek a representative democracy rather than a theocracy or monarchy, one that aims for peace and prosperity.

Supporting democratic movements in both Venezuela and Iran goes beyond mere emotion; it aligns with America’s strategic interests. Illegitimate governments are inherently unstable, likely leading to unrest and extreme elements that pose threats to the U.S.

In contrast, democratically elected governments are more reliable as they are accountable to their citizens, resulting in policies that often align more closely with American objectives.

Achieving authentic democratic reform will undoubtedly be challenging, yet it’s the only way to ensure Venezuela’s future success as a trustworthy partner for the U.S. The same applies to Iran. In both instances, the United States should position itself optimally to benefit from democratic governments in Caracas and Tehran.