ANKARA

As the US increases its military activity in the Caribbean region, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated during an interview on a private television channel that the American people favor peace and will not permit a potential war against his country.

Maduro claimed that certain circles in the US want to start an "irrational war" with Venezuela, saying, "I know that the American people will tie the hands of the warmongering madmen who want to spark a war in South America for oil."

Maduro argued that labor movements, religious communities, and political circles in the US understand the value of peace and recognize the importance of respecting Venezuela.

He also thanked Venezuelans who protested and marched in response to the US seizure of the sanctioned oil tanker The Skipper.

The vessel, carrying Venezuelan crude oil, was boarded by US Coast Guard forces on Dec. 10, 2025, in international waters — a move Venezuela condemned as "piracy" amid escalating tensions.

Maduro also reacted to statements by far-right politician Jose Antonio Kast, who won Chile's presidential election on Sunday with a 16-point margin in the second round, suggesting that Venezuelans living in Chile could be deported. Maduro called on Venezuelans in Chile to return home.