On November 6, 2025, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier remained stationed off the coast of North Africa, following its transit through the Strait of Gibraltar. Despite earlier orders for enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean, U.S. officials clarified that there is currently no legal basis for military strikes against Venezuela, emphasizing a strategy focused on maritime pressure rather than direct intervention. This deployment underscores a calibrated U.S. military posture that adheres to legal constraints while maintaining the option for future action if U.S. strategic interests dictate. The situation reflects the challenge of balancing military readiness with diplomatic considerations in the region, particularly regarding Venezuela’s Maduro regime.