Venezuela accuses US of using ‘narco-terrorism’ allegations to justify ‘regime change’

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to designate specific branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, focusing on chapters in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. The responsibility for completing this designation has been assigned to senior US diplomats and Treasury officials.

President Trump announced plans to visit China in April and host Chinese President Xi Jinping later next year, following a discussion that focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and U.S. agricultural exports, particularly soybeans.

The European Union (EU) and the United States (US) have resumed trade negotiations to address unresolved issues from a tariff deal reached in July. The US has urged the EU to reconsider its digital regulations to facilitate a reduction in import duties on steel and aluminum. Additionally, global discussions on wildlife protection and sustainable trade have commenced in Uzbekistan, with the EU advocating for stricter regulations on eel trade, facing opposition from Japan.

The US and Ukraine are currently engaged in peace talks in Switzerland, aiming to finalize a 28-point peace plan that has faced criticism for aligning closely with Russian demands. This plan, which modifies an earlier US proposal deemed unacceptable by Kyiv and its European allies, raises concerns about potential concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions.

President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a call to discuss key issues including trade, Taiwan, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This conversation is part of a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly concerning tariffs and technology export restrictions.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private company backed by the US and Israel, has announced the termination of its operations in Gaza after a tumultuous period marked by violence at its food distribution sites. The organization stated it has completed its emergency mission, which has been criticized for its controversial role in aid distribution during ongoing military operations in the region.

Donald Trump recently suggested on Truth Social that Venezuela's leadership may have manipulated electronic voting software to influence the 2020 election results, a claim that has been widely discredited and ruled false by a judge in 2023. This comment aligns with Trump's ongoing hostile stance towards Venezuela, which has been characterized by aggressive rhetoric and policy.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has concluded its mission in the Palestinian enclave, a move that has drawn criticism due to its controversial takeover of aid distribution during Israel's military operations, sidelining traditional organizations like the UN.