Mexico Asks UN For Help Over Trump
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday called on the United Nations to intervene as tensions intensify between the United States and Venezuela, accusing the international body of failing to prevent a growing crisis.
Her remarks came just one day after President Donald Trump ordered a sweeping blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers operating under U.S. sanctions — the strongest move yet by the Trump administration against the authoritarian regime of Nicolás Maduro.
The decision followed last week’s U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker headed for Cuba, part of a broader effort to disrupt illicit oil shipments and drug trafficking operations linked to the Maduro government.
Under Trump’s directive, U.S. Navy warships and military aircraft are now enforcing the blockade in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, effectively cutting off Venezuela’s ability to export oil to international markets.
Oil Blockade Hits Venezuela’s Economic Lifeline
Venezuela relies almost entirely on oil exports to fund its government, making the U.S. blockade a direct strike at the regime’s primary source of revenue.
Trump administration officials say the move is designed to increase economic pressure on Maduro, weaken his grip on power, and disrupt criminal networks tied to narcotics trafficking.
Speaking during her daily press briefing at Mexico’s National Palace, Sheinbaum said the United Nations must take a more active role.
“The United Nations must assume the responsibility it has not been fulfilling,” she said, according to El País. “Its role should be to prevent bloodshed and pursue peaceful resolutions to conflicts.”
Mexico Rejects Foreign Intervention
Despite criticizing the escalation, Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico’s longstanding opposition to foreign intervention.
“Regardless of opinions about the Venezuelan government or President Maduro, Mexico’s position is clear,” she said. “No intervention, no foreign interference, and a commitment to dialogue and peace.”
She also emphasized national sovereignty — a theme she has repeatedly raised after President Trump publicly suggested deploying U.S. forces into Mexico to combat powerful drug cartels.
White House Defends Trump’s Actions
The White House strongly defended Trump’s decision, pointing to his campaign promise to confront cartel violence and drug trafficking that has devastated American communities.
“President Trump promised to take on the cartels, and he has delivered with unprecedented action,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Newsmax.
“These operations target designated narco-terrorists responsible for bringing deadly drugs into our country. The president will continue using every element of American power to protect American lives.”
Mexico Offers to Mediate Talks
Sheinbaum also said Mexico would be willing to host talks between the United States and Venezuela if both sides agree.
“We can serve as a meeting point,” she said. “If not, we can help identify mediators to prevent further conflict in the region.”
At the same time, she urged Mexican citizens living in Venezuela to seek assistance from Mexico’s embassy, warning that economic pressure could impact everyday Venezuelans.
“While these actions may be aimed at a government, they ultimately affect ordinary people,” she said, comparing the situation to long-standing sanctions on Cuba.
UN Human Rights Staff Forced Out of Venezuela
Her comments followed a concerning announcement from Volker Türk, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, who confirmed that his office no longer has any international staff operating inside Venezuela.
Türk said repeated attempts to restore full operations — including visa requests and diplomatic engagement — were rejected by Venezuelan authorities. His office was expelled earlier this year and only briefly resumed limited activity before being shut down again.
The departure of U.N. human rights personnel underscores the Maduro regime’s growing isolation from international oversight, as global organizations continue documenting abuses and authoritarian crackdowns inside the country.
