U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro has become a central hub for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah, posing a direct threat to regional stability and U.S. national security. Speaking on the growing influence of foreign actors in South America, Rubio emphasized that Maduro’s Venezuela serves as an anchor for extremist networks operating across the hemisphere.

Rubio noted that the presence of the IRGC and Hezbollah in Venezuela has far-reaching consequences, including increased migration flows toward the United States and the facilitation of illicit activities. By providing safe harbor and operational support for these groups, Maduro’s regime undermines both regional security and international efforts to combat terrorism.

The senator framed the issue within a broader context of American foreign policy, highlighting the importance of strategic engagement and pressure. “Iran, the IRGC, and even Hezbollah have a presence in South America, and their anchor presence is in Venezuela,” Rubio said, stressing that neutralizing these footholds is crucial to protecting U.S. interests and promoting stability throughout the Americas.

Rubio’s comments reinforce the Trump administration’s approach of confronting hostile actors directly, targeting the networks and states that support terrorism, and ensuring that U.S. policy prioritizes security, accountability, and regional stability. The warnings underscore the strategic significance of Venezuela as more than a domestic political concern—it is a focal point in the fight against global terrorism.