Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro ordered the immediate suspension of a gas cooperation agreement with Trinidad and Tobago after the Caribbean nation hosted a U.S. warship. The move underscores Caracas’ view that Washington is deploying military assets in the region to threaten Venezuela’s sovereignty.

The decision affects joint natural-gas projects and signals a deepening energy and diplomatic crisis. As the Caribbean becomes a theater of U.S.-Venezuelan tensions, regional neighbours may face growing pressure in the contest for influence over Venezuelan resources.