Nicolás Maduro is facing mounting pressure as a small circle around Donald Trump advocates a three‑phase plan of covert action, strikes and seizures aimed at squeezing Maduro and securing access to oil and rare‑earth minerals.Trump warned that "ground attacks will begin soon" after citing U.S. strikes on suspected drug‑trafficking boats, while U.S. aircraft operated near La Orchila and SOUTHCOM underwent a leadership change as Alvin Holsey left and Evan L. Pettus took command.Regional reactions — Colombia mobilizing against an ELN strike, Cuba and Iran condemning U.S. moves, the EU extending sanctions, tanker seizures and U.S. sanctions on Maduro's relatives — plus market pressure on Brent and WTI, underline a volatile confrontation with no sign of de‑escalation.