On December 18, 2025, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged restraint and immediate de-escalation in the Caribbean region, following recent US measures against Venezuela, a UN spokesperson announced.
At a daily briefing, deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said Guterres is monitoring developments closely and is in active dialogue with all parties involved. “The secretary-general calls on every stakeholder to honor their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter, to safeguard peace in the region,” Haq told reporters.
Guterres emphasized that any disputes should be resolved through peaceful means. If the Venezuela authorities escalate the matter within the United Nations, it would likely fall under the purview of the Security Council, Haq noted.
For now, continued diplomatic engagement remains critical. Haq stressed that dialogue offers the most viable path forward, helping to prevent further tensions from spiraling out of control.
This week’s flare-up began on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when US President Donald Trump announced a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan ports. The move marked a significant intensification of the US’s months-long pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro.
Venezuela swiftly condemned the blockade as a breach of international law, declaring its intention to bring the case before the United Nations. The standoff has underscored deep divisions over regional stability and the role of international oversight.
As global energy markets and shipping routes brace for potential ripple effects, Guterres’s call for calm and adherence to legal frameworks has resonated with diplomats and analysts worldwide. For young global citizens and stakeholders in G20 economies, the next steps in this diplomatic chess game will be key to determining stability across the Caribbean and beyond.
Reference(s):
UN chief calls for restraint, immediate de-escalation in Caribbean
cgtn.com
