Qatari PM Says 'Conditions' Are Not Given To Mediate Between U.S. And Venezuela As Trump Admin Escalates Pressure

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani said conditions are currently not given to mediate between the U.S. and Venezuela as the Trump administration continues to escalate pressure on the Maduro regime.

"Unfortunately, the events these days are not providing the right conditions for the mediation. But we believe one day conditions will allow us to bring the U.S. and Venezuela on the table and find a solution," Al Thani said when talking with U.S. journalist Fareed Zakaria.

The U.S. has been escalating pressure on the regime, conducting landing drills in Puerto Rico during the weekend. In a social media post, the Southern Command said Marines conducted "training operations in Puerto Rico" in support of the mission, which is focused on President Donald Trump's "priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking."

It has also been upgrading an abandoned naval base from the Cold War in the territory, according to a new report, which could support operations against the Venezuelan regime.

Citing satellite imagery and photos, Reuters noted that troops are rebuilding the former Roosevelt Roads naval base in Puerto Rico by clearing and repaving taxiways leading to the runway.

The outlet noted that the base is one of the largest in the world and offers a large amount of space for gathering equipment. The U.S. is also building facilities at civilian airports in Puerto Rico and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Three military officials told Reuters that the construction could allow the military to conduct operations inside Venezuela.

Another development in the region involves the U.S. issuing a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) restricting airspace off the coast of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, from November 1 through March 31, 2026, citing "special security reasons."

The move came minutes before President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he is not considering strikes on land inside Venezuela. Asked directly whether such military action was under discussion, Trump responded, "No," offering no further details. However, he did say during the weekend that Maduro's days are "numbered."