We could be repeating the mistakes we made in Iran with Venezuela

Sept. 11, 2026 7 AM PT

To the editor: The Trump administration should heed history as it oversees Venezuela after removing its leader (“As Trump locks in oil deal, Venezuelans ask: What happened to elections?,” Sept. 7). In 1953, the U.S. engineered something similar elsewhere, helping install a pliant dictator to restore Western access to vast oil supplies. In 1979, that country revolted, radicalized, and reclaimed its oil, and has been a steadfast adversary ever since. That country is Iran.

Keeping Venezuela off a similar path requires the U.S. to ensure legitimate elections are held there and to accept the results, even if President Delcy Rodriguez is ousted.

Scott Russell, Long Beach