‘US Will Continue To Seek Wars Till Its Economy Depends On Oil’: Colombian President

Last Updated:January 10, 2026, 21:44 IST

Gustavo Petro further warned that there is now a “real threat" of US military action against Colombia, accusing the US of behaving like an empire.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump (R). (AFP photo)

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has said that the US will continue to engage in wars as long as their economy depends on oil and coal.

In an interview with the BBC, the Colombian leader said that if the US had not pulled out of the Paris Agreement, “there would be no wars, there would be a much more democratic and peaceful relationship with the world. And South America."

“As long as the US economy is based on oil and coal, 70% of its energy matrix, it will tend to seek wars for both resources," he said as quoted by the news outlet.

The 1992 pact, under which 198 countries committed to funding climate-related efforts in developing nations, serves as the foundation for the landmark Paris climate accord. Trump exited the agreement shortly after returning to the White House.

Petro further warned that there is now a “real threat" of US military action against Colombia, accusing Washington of behaving like an empire and risking international isolation. He said Washington has long treated other nations, particularly in Latin America, as part of a US “empire," often disregarding international law.

He also criticised US immigration enforcement, accusing agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of acting like “Nazi brigades." Trump has significantly expanded ICE operations, which the administration says are aimed at tackling crime and illegal immigration.

The tensions escalated after recent US strikes on Venezuela and the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, following which Trump said a military operation targeting Colombia “sounds good." Trump has also repeatedly issued personal warnings to Petro, remarks the Colombian leader has strongly condemned.

Petro and Trump spoke by phone on Wednesday evening. After the call, Trump said he would meet Petro at the White House in the “near future," later describing the conversation on his Truth Social platform as a “great honour."

“I look forward to having a meeting with Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, in the White House, during the first week of February," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

News world ‘US Will Continue To Seek Wars Till Its Economy Depends On Oil’: Colombian President

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