U.S.-Iran War Update: Rubio Says Conflict Could End in Weeks as Strikes Escalate 
God on their side: how the US, Israel and Iran are all using religion to garner support 
Elon Musk Joins Trump-Modi Phone Call Amid Iran War Discussions 
Chinese Universities with PLA Ties Found Purchasing Restricted U.S. AI Chips Through Super Micro Servers 
Russia Accused of Helping Iran Target U.S. Forces, European Powers Tell G7 
California Renames Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day Following Sexual Abuse Allegations 
Trump Warns "Cuba Is Next" Amid U.S. Military Posturing in the Region 
Trump Pauses Iran Strikes as Peace Talks Stall Amid Military Buildup 
Maduro Faces Rare Narcoterrorism Charges in U.S. Court 
SMIC Allegedly Supplies Chipmaking Tools to Iran's Military, U.S. Officials Warn 
U.S. Treasury Grants New Licenses for Venezuela Critical Minerals Investment 
Lavrov Claims U.S. Seeks Control Over Damaged Nord Stream Pipelines 
Israeli Airstrike Targets Building in Beirut's Southern Suburbs Amid Ongoing Hezbollah Conflict 
Germany Open to Post-War Role in Middle East, Merz Says 
Ukraine-Russia War: Frontline Updates as Spring Offensive Looms 
What does China’s host bid mean for the High Seas Treaty? 
Venezuela’s government announced plans to close its embassies in Norway and Australia while opening new diplomatic missions in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe, marking a significant reshuffle in its foreign relations. President Nicolas Maduro’s administration described the move as a “strategic re-assignation of resources,” aimed at strengthening ties with nations it calls “strategic allies in the anti-colonial fight.”
The closures follow weeks of intensifying tensions between Caracas and Washington. Venezuela has accused the United States of preparing an armed attack and denounced recent U.S. military strikes on ships near its coast, which Washington claimed were drug-related operations. The U.S., in turn, continues to label Maduro’s government as illegitimate and linked to narcotics trafficking.
Norway’s foreign ministry confirmed receiving official notice of the embassy’s closure, expressing regret over the decision and emphasizing its intent to maintain dialogue with Venezuela. Norway, which does not have an embassy in Caracas, currently manages relations through its mission in Colombia.
The announcement came shortly after Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for democracy, a recognition that she dedicated to U.S. President Donald Trump. Norwegian officials clarified that the Nobel Committee operates independently from the government. Kristian Berg Harpviken, the committee’s secretary, said the embassy’s closure does not affect its work.
Caracas stated that its new embassies in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe would promote cooperation in agriculture, energy, education, and mining. Both African nations maintain close ties with Russia, a key ally of Venezuela and a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy.
The shift highlights Venezuela’s ongoing pivot toward nations opposing Western influence, aligning itself more closely with Russia and other anti-U.S. blocs on the global stage.
