In Venezuela, Mr. Trump demonstrated a willingness to rely also on special operations forces to seize that country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, in a raid last month. The United ​States sent two aircraft carriers to the region last year, when it carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. However, June’s “Midnight Hammer” operation was essentially a one-off U.S. attack, with stealth bombers flying from the United States to strike Iranian nuclear ⁠facilities. The same official said the United States fully expected Iran to retaliate, leading to back-and-forth strikes and reprisals over time. Mr. Trump has repeatedly threatened to bomb Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and crushing of internal dissent.

Source: The Hindu February 15, 2026 11:36 UTC