International

Overwhelming evidence Venezuela opposition won election – Blinken

Published

2 years ago

August 2, 2024

Opposition leader María Corina Machado claims her party's candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won by a landslide

Overwhelming evidence Venezuela opposition won election – Blinken

The US secretary of state has said there was “overwhelming evidence” Venezuela’s opposition won the recent presidential election.

In a statement Antony Blinken said it was clear Edmundo González, had won the most votes – despite incumbent president Nicolás Maduro declaring a disputed victory.

“Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s 28 July presidential election,” Mr Blinken said.

His intervention comes as the presidents of Brazil, Mexico and Colombia all called on Venezuela to release the full details of last Sunday’s election.

Last Sunday, the electoral council, which is government-controlled, announced President Maduro had won the election for a third term.

But this was immediately disputed by the opposition who said, with access to the majority of receipts from electronic voting machines around the country, it was false.

The opposition has said its own vote tally shows it won the election by a wide margin. Opinion polls ahead of the election had suggested a clear victory for the challenger.

President Maduro has previously accused foreign governments of interfering in the election.

He has strongly denied electoral fraud and has said the opposition has instigated a coup by disputing the result.

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The announcement of President Maduro’s victory set off deadly protests in Caracas.

It has also attracted global criticism, with many governments around the world demanding the Venezuelan government release proof of the result.

The result has been recognised by Venezuelan allies China, Russia and Iran.

But, the US, European Union and other G7 countries have called on President Maduro’s government to release detailed voting data.

Posting on social media, Mr Blinken said: “Electoral data overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of the Venezuelan people: democratic opposition candidate Edmundo González won the most votes in Sunday’s election.

“Venezuelans have voted, and their votes must count.”

The intervention by Mr Blinken is significant. After the last election in 2018 was widely dismissed as neither free nor fair, countries including the US decided to recognise the then-opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president and imposed sanctions on Venezuela.

Mr Blinken said it was “time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people”.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who says she is in hiding, has called for mass demonstrations on Saturday.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Ms Machado said Mr Maduro did not win the election.

She claimed her party’s candidate, Mr Gonzalez, won by a landslide and Ms Machado said she could prove this because she had receipts from more than 80% of polling stations.

Ms Machado appealed for help, saying it was now up to the international community to decide whether to tolerate what she called an illegitimate government.

Overwhelming evidence Venezuela opposition won election – Blinken

International

Iran Crisis Escalates as Second US Warplane Crashes in Persian Gulf

Published

23 minutes ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Iran Crisis Escalates as Second US Warplane Crashes in Persian Gulf

The already fragile security situation in the Middle East has taken a dramatic turn following reports that a second U.S. military aircraft has crashed in the Persian Gulf, intensifying tensions between the United States and Iran.

According to U.S. officials cited by The New York Times, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, widely known as the Warthog, went down near the Strait of Hormuz. The pilot was successfully rescued, but the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, with early indications suggesting a combination of operational risk and possible hostile engagement.

The incident occurred almost simultaneously with reports that an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iranian territory. Iranian state media claimed responsibility, stating that its air defence systems intercepted the aircraft. U.S. officials have confirmed the loss of the jet, though investigations into the precise circumstances are ongoing.

Rescue operations for the downed F-15E crew are still underway. One crew member has been recovered alive and is receiving medical care, while search efforts continue for the second. The operation has drawn significant military resources, including air and naval support, amid concerns over the safety of personnel operating in hostile territory.

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Iranian state television further escalated tensions by urging civilians to report the whereabouts of the missing U.S. crew member or members, offering a reward for information. Analysts warn that such actions could complicate rescue missions and heighten the risk of further confrontation.

The A-10 aircraft is believed to have been operating in support of these rescue efforts when it crashed, underscoring the опасность of ongoing operations in the region. Reports indicate that U.S. rescue teams have encountered hostile conditions, including potential ground fire, making recovery efforts increasingly challenging.

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified rhetoric amid the crisis, confirming earlier strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including a highway bridge near Tehran. He warned that Washington is prepared to escalate military action if necessary, while claiming that U.S. operations have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.

The developments have placed renewed focus on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supply passes. Any disruption to this corridor could trigger major economic последствия, including spikes in global oil prices.

At the same time, the crisis unfolds against the backdrop of a proposed $1.5 trillion U.S. defence budget for fiscal year 2027, fueling debate over increased military spending and its implications for domestic priorities.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions appear to have stalled. Iranian officials have dismissed the possibility of negotiations under current conditions, denying reports that Tehran is seeking a ceasefire and maintaining a hardline stance against Washington.

The near-simultaneous loss of two U.S. military aircraft marks a significant escalation in the conflict, raising concerns about a potential broader regional confrontation if tensions continue to rise.

Iran Crisis Escalates as Second US Warplane Crashes in Persian Gulf

International

Iran’s IRGC Threatens Google, Microsoft, Apple as ‘Legitimate Military Targets’

Published

16 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Iran’s IRGC Threatens Google, Microsoft, Apple as ‘Legitimate Military Targets’

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stark warning to major US technology companies, declaring them legitimate military targets amid intensifying conflict in the Middle East.

The warning, carried by the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency, named around 20 American and Western tech firms allegedly involved in intelligence, surveillance, and targeting operations. Companies highlighted include Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Boeing, HP, and Tesla. The IRGC claimed these firms play a central role in identifying and tracking targets through artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and ICT systems, making their facilities subject to attack.

The statement warned that attacks could begin from 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday if Iran continues to experience what Tehran describes as “targeted assassinations” of its leaders and military personnel. Employees and civilians near company offices and data centres were urged to evacuate immediately.

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The threats follow a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reporting more than 230 airstrikes in 24 hours, targeting Iranian military infrastructure. Tehran has accused Israel and the US of also hitting civilian and academic institutions, including Isfahan University of Technology and the Iran University of Science and Technology.

Analysts warn the IRGC’s threats signal a widening battlefield beyond traditional military targets, potentially including commercial tech infrastructure, cloud systems, and communications networks. Such attacks could disrupt internet connectivity, cloud services, financial systems, and regional communications across the Middle East and beyond.

While no confirmed large-scale attacks on these firms have occurred, the announcement raises concerns over the global implications of targeting technology infrastructure in modern conflicts. Experts say such threats highlight how digital and commercial assets are increasingly considered strategic military targets.

Tech companies named in the warning have largely refrained from commenting publicly but are reportedly reviewing security measures and contingency plans to protect staff and critical infrastructure in the region.

The IRGC’s declaration marks a new phase of geopolitical escalation, demonstrating the growing intersection of technology, military operations, and regional instability in the Middle East.

Iran’s IRGC Threatens Google, Microsoft, Apple as ‘Legitimate Military Targets’

International

Iran Announces ‘Bounty’ on US Pilots After Claiming Downing of Fighter Jet

Published

16 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Iran Announces ‘Bounty’ on US Pilots After Claiming Downing of Fighter Jet

Tensions in the Middle East have sharply intensified after Iran reportedly placed a bounty on US pilots following claims that it shot down a United States fighter jet over its territory.

Iranian state-linked media outlets said the aircraft was brought down during ongoing hostilities, with reports indicating that at least one pilot ejected before the jet crashed. Images circulating on Iranian platforms allegedly show wreckage of the US warplane, although independent analysts say the visuals remain inconclusive.

In a controversial move, a regional television station in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province reportedly urged civilians to capture and hand over any American pilots alive in exchange for financial rewards—effectively declaring a “bounty” on US pilots.

However, the United States has not confirmed that any of its aircraft was downed, and no official statement has been issued by Washington regarding the claims. Past incidents have shown that similar announcements by Iranian media were later disputed or unverified, raising doubts about the latest development.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that US search-and-rescue operations may already be underway. Black Hawk helicopters were allegedly seen over Iranian airspace as part of efforts to locate two missing pilots, though this has not been independently confirmed.

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The situation comes amid a broader escalation in the region. Recent US airstrikes in Iran reportedly hit critical infrastructure, including a major bridge, leaving casualties and triggering further retaliation.

In response, Iran has intensified its military actions across the region. A fire outbreak at Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi refinery has been linked to Iranian operations, while Iranian drones were intercepted in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. At the same time, Israel launched retaliatory strikes targeting key locations in Tehran and Isfahan.

Adding to the tension, US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning, stating that the United States “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran” and threatening further strikes on strategic infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.

Despite these developments, the full details surrounding the alleged downing of the US jet and the fate of the pilots remain uncertain and unverified. Analysts warn that if confirmed, the incident could mark a major turning point in the conflict between both nations.