Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has defended her decision to return the Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump, stating that she has no regrets over the move. Machado made the statement during a conference in Madrid, where she also mentioned that she has been in touch with the US and believes that Washington’s role in promoting democratic change in Venezuela is crucial.
Machado had previously presented the medal to Trump during a meeting at the White House in January, as part of a diplomatic gesture following a US military operation that aimed to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred or given to someone else, and its status remains with the original recipient.
Machado’s decision to return the medal comes as Venezuela’s opposition has been demanding presidential elections, which were recently postponed. Machado herself was barred from participating in the disputed elections in 2024 and has yet to announce her candidacy for the upcoming polls.
Meanwhile, US media reports have suggested that Iranian negotiators are set to arrive in Islamabad on Monday, fueling speculation about a potential second round of talks between the US and Iran. However, Tehran has so far refused to confirm plans for a new round of negotiations.
US President Donald Trump has stated that American representatives are heading to Islamabad for talks with Iranian officials, with the current ceasefire between the two countries set to expire in a few days. Trump also vowed not to repeat the mistakes of the previous administration, referencing the Obama era.
In a separate development, Iranian authorities have arrested four individuals on charges of espionage, including two foreign nationals. The arrests come as Iran’s civil aviation authority has announced the resumption of international flights from Mashhad Airport, which is expected to begin on Tuesday.
The Iranian government has also warned of increased vigilance in the wake of recent social media posts expressing concern over the situation. The regime has stated that it cannot be bound by a unilateral ceasefire and has threatened to take action against any perceived threats.
In related news, the Yemeni government has urged the US to refrain from interfering in the country’s affairs, while Israel has reportedly drawn up a new list of potential targets in Iran. The UN has been informed of the developments, with a letter sent to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council President.
Finally, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has seized $1.45 billion in Iranian currency from a suspect arrested in Karachi, while Iran has yet to confirm plans to send a new delegation to Islamabad for talks with US officials.
