Nobel Laureate Machado Says 'Iran Has Turned Venezuela Into Its Satellite, Operating in the Heart of the Americas'

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado warned on Wednesday that Iran has transformed Venezuela into its "satellite" in the hemisphere, alleging deep military, financial, and logistical penetration by Tehran and other foreign powers.

"This is a critical issue that all Americans, all people in the Americas have to understand," Machado said during a remote appearance at the America Business Forum in Miami. "Venezuela has been turned into the main bridgehead of the adversaries of the United States and its criminal networks and enemies that support them." She added that "Iran has turned Venezuela into its satellite operating from the heart of the Americas."

Machado claimed Iranian operatives have "provided technology in drone systems," are "building armed drones in our country," and have used Venezuela's financial system to launder money for Hezbollah and other groups. She further claimed that "over 10,000 Venezuelan passports" were issued to facilitate movement for affiliated actors across the region and beyond.

Regarding Russia, she said the country "has armed Venezuela" and provides "intelligence, espionage and technology," with agents "currently operating" inside Venezuela. She also reiterated that Maduro presides over a "narco-terrorist structure."

Machado's claims come as the Trump administration weighs strikes against facilities in Venezuela linked to the Cartel de los Soles. Coincidentally, Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech at the same event later on Wednesday.

In another passage during her speech, Machado described broad support for regime change among Venezuelans, called international backing critical to securing democracy and promised that "Venezuela will rise again," citing plans to stabilize the country, secure its borders, and release political prisoners, as Infobae reports.

On international matters, Machado stressed the need for Venezuela to restore solid and transparent ties with neighboring countries:

"Brazil is a fundamental country for our region. We hope to forge mutually beneficial ties in trade, investment, and migration, and to promote democracy and the rule of law. With Mexico, our biggest challenge will be working together to dismantle drug cartels. And with Colombia — whose relationship is vital — we will form a serious alliance to dismantle criminal organizations and regain control of territories currently under mafia influence"