09.01.2026 19:10
Professor Dr. Mehmet Özkan, a faculty member at the National Defense University, evaluated the U.S. attack on Venezuela during a live broadcast on Haberler.com. Özkan stated, "If Maduro's friends cooperate with the U.S., there is a chance for them to regain their freedom. If they don't, they will remain in prison for life."
Professor Dr. Mehmet Özkan, a faculty member of the National Defense University, made important statements while evaluating the U.S. attack on Venezuela during a live broadcast on Haberler.com.
"WE MAY HEAR THE NEWS 'TRUMP PARDONED MADURO'"
Özkan stated, "It seems that someone from within the Venezuelan regime has collaborated with the U.S. and provided information. They say if the thief is inside, the lock won't hold." He added, "In fact, he could have killed Maduro if he wanted to. By not killing him and taking him to New York, he increased his bargaining power. If Maduro contributes to the regime's transformation, one day we might wake up to the news 'Trump pardoned Maduro'."
HE EXPLAINED THE POSSIBILITY OF RELEASE
Özkan also mentioned, "If Maduro's friends collaborate with the U.S., there is a possibility for him to regain his freedom. If they don't, he will remain in prison for life. If they betray him, Maduro can provide other information to inflate his friends' files before U.S. law. Everything is part of the negotiation."
He expressed his expectations from Delsy Rodriguez, stating that he hopes the institutional structures in the country will collapse without being destroyed. "As you can see, Rodriguez has started to gradually release the opposition members in prison. He is trying to carry out a transition process. If the army resists this process, there may be a military coup, but as of now, we see that Rodriguez is managing this process," he said.
STATEMENT ON IRAN
Regarding developments in Iran, Özkan stated, "Iran has seriously lost ground and power. A regime change in Iran would incur serious costs, and the regional countries would oppose it. However, if a leader who wants to work closely with the U.S. is given the opportunity, Trump will support it."