‘It's not a recognition’: Retired Lt. Cmdr. Jesús Romero analyzes Delcy Rodríguez's presence in US, asserts Trump's approach ‘is strategic’

Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and former naval intelligence officer Jesús Romero stated on Monday, during an interview with host and executive director Karina Yapor on Voz News, that Delcy Rodríguez's presence in New York and her possible meeting with President Donald Trump should be understood as part of Washington's strategy toward Venezuela and not as recognition of her status as head of state.

Romero maintained that, although he personally disagrees with Rodríguez's role in the Venezuelan government, it is necessary to analyze her presence from a pragmatic perspective. "We have to view the situation for what it is," stated the former officer, who added that if the United States had been able to take complete control of Venezuela on Jan. 4, "it would have done so already."

The former military officer noted that Washington continues to follow a timeline to promote an eventual transition in Venezuela and suggested that the war with Iran could become a determining factor in that process. "What is happening around the globe with the conflict in Iran is likely to be the catalyst for change in Venezuela," he stated.

Regarding the possible meeting between Trump and Rodríguez, Romero highlighted the conditions under which the Venezuelan official arrived in the United States. "She is not traveling on a presidential plane. She is not receiving the honors and recognition due a head of state," he explained.

In his opinion, Rodríguez should be viewed by Washington as "an effective collaborator and a source for the United States," and not as an officially recognized head of state. "Any notion that she plays some kind of leading role as a head of state" would, in his view, be a misinterpretation. "Let's remember that she has tea, but it's just temporary tea," he added.

Romero also linked the situation in Venezuela to the energy crisis caused by the conflict with Iran. He explained that the price of oil and fuel in the United States is having economic and political consequences for the Trump administration. "If we don't resolve the conflict with Iran, the situation in Venezuela is going to drag on," he explained.

During the interview, the former officer also addressed the war between Russia and Ukraine and Kiev’s strategy against Russian energy facilities. Although he expressed doubts about the possibility of reaching a peace agreement anytime soon, he highlighted Ukraine's ability to strike high-priority targets within Russia.

Finally, Romero defended the strategic importance of the U.S. military presence in Greenland and stated that the agreement sends a message to Russia, China and Iran. "This is called Western Hemisphere strategy," he concluded.

You can watch the full interview by clicking on the video below.