Iran To Venezuela: How US President Trump Is Dragging ‘Land Of Opportunity’ Into Wars

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 15:38 IST

While campaigning on a promise to avoid “endless wars”, Trump-led US administration has engaged in strikes across at least 7 countries, including Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria & Somalia

In his second term, United States President Donald Trump has shifted from his initial “non-interventionist" stance toward a “power-first" foreign policy characterised by “maximum pressure" and targeted military actions.

While campaigning on a promise to avoid “endless wars", the administration has engaged in strikes and operations across at least seven countries, including Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria, and Somalia.

Military engagements since 2025

Iran (Operation Epic Fury): On February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched joint major combat operations against Iran. The strikes targeted nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, as well as naval assets and missile infrastructure, with the stated goal of preventing nuclear breakout and achieving regime change.

Venezuela: In January 2026, U.S. forces conducted a high-stakes operation in Caracas that resulted in the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro. This followed a “narco-terror" campaign launched in late 2025 targeting vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific suspected of drug trafficking.

Nigeria: On December 25, 2025, the U.S. conducted “powerful and deadly" airstrikes against ISIS-affiliated operatives in Sokoto State. Trump previously warned of intervention if the Nigerian government did not address what he characterized as a “genocide" against Christians.

Somalia: In February 2025, the administration directed airstrikes against Islamic State operatives, described as a coordinated effort with the Somali government to eliminate senior planners.

Emerging Threats and Directives

Cuba: Following the operation in Venezuela, the administration has reportedly turned its attention toward Cuba, citing its close ties to the former Maduro government.

Other Interests: Trump has publicly floated the idea of annexing Greenland and has threatened military force or significant tariffs against European nations over the territory. He also proposed a plan to take over the Gaza Strip by relocating Palestinians to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, threatening Egypt with aid cuts if they refuse.

War and peace

The administration has renamed the Department of Defense to the Department of War and established a “Board of Peace" with Trump as the permanent chairman to manage global conflicts.

Experts describe this approach as “transactional nationalism" — a preference for short, sharp military force (especially airpower and special ops) to achieve specific “deals" rather than long-term conventional ground wars.

This “might makes right" mentality has drawn widespread criticism from the United Nations Security Council and various legal groups.

News explainers Iran To Venezuela: How US President Trump Is Dragging ‘Land Of Opportunity’ Into Wars

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