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The U.S. and South Korea are deepening military cooperation amid North Korean missile tests. The U.S. aims to modernize South Korea's military and increase regional stability, with South Korea pledging an 8.2% defense budget rise. The focus remains on deterring North Korea and managing regional threats.
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On November 10, 2025, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House, the first Syrian leader to do so since independence. The meeting with President Donald Trump focused on lifting sanctions, Syria’s integration into a US-led coalition against ISIS, and a potential security pact involving Israel. The US suspended Caesar Act sanctions for six months, signaling a shift in regional alliances and Syria’s international rehabilitation.
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As of early December 2025, the US has intensified military pressure on Venezuela, conducting over 20 strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels, killing at least 83 people. President Trump announced plans to extend operations from sea to land while maintaining openness to dialogue with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The US military buildup in the Caribbean includes an aircraft carrier group and thousands of troops amid accusations of regime change motives.
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Gen. Dan Caine visited Puerto Rico and a Navy ship amid US military buildup in the Caribbean. The US is increasing pressure on Venezuela through naval operations, designations of criminal groups as terrorists, and potential military options, as Trump considers further actions against Maduro.
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Since early September, the US has conducted at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing over 87 people. Admiral Holsey, who led the Southern Command, retired early amid tensions over the strikes and US plans for possible land operations. The US also designated the Venezuelan 'Cartel de los Soles' as a terrorist organization, though Venezuela denies the allegations.