Brazil’s Lula criticizes Trump threats, calls for 'mutual respect'
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Brazil’s president condemns Trump’s rhetoric on Iran, calls it dangerous.
- Lula criticizes US actions in Venezuela, demands non-interference.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump, urging global leaders to abandon threats and embrace mutual respect in international relations.
In an interview with Spanish outlet El País published Thursday, Lula denounced Trump’s recent warning to destroy Iranian civilization during the ongoing US-‘Israeli’ war on Iran.
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“Trump has no right to wake up in the morning and threaten a country,” Lula said, describing such rhetoric as irresponsible and beyond the scope of presidential authority.
He characterized the approach as a “misguided” use of power, warning that no nation should attempt to impose its will through fear.
Rejecting politics of fear
Lula stressed that global stability depends on responsible leadership, particularly from powerful nations.
“No one has the right to frighten others,” he said, adding that countries with economic and military influence must act with greater accountability to preserve peace.
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His remarks come amid heightened tensions tied to US military pressure on Iran, including threats and economic measures that have raised fears of wider conflict.
Venezuela tensions resurface
The Brazilian leader also criticized US involvement in Venezuela following a controversial raid that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Lula called for free elections without foreign interference, rejecting what he described as unacceptable external control over sovereign nations.
“What cannot happen is for the US to think it can run Venezuela,” he said, emphasizing that such actions undermine democratic principles.
Call for mature diplomacy
Lula’s comments come ahead of a scheduled meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Barcelona, where the two leaders are expected to discuss global political tensions.
Highlighting the need for measured leadership, Lula pointed to the age and experience of current world leaders, arguing that diplomacy should reflect maturity rather than escalation.
His remarks add to growing international criticism of Washington’s foreign policy stance as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
