The USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) was observed at the horizon near Muelle de Ponce on December 3rd, 2025, at 8:30 AM UTC, according to tracking updates from [@r4streando](https://twitter.com/r4streando). This observation occurred in the context of heightened regional tensions and ongoing U.S. military deployments in the Americas. Earlier on December 3rd, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended naval deployments in the region, stating they align with an "America first" approach. Rubio also criticized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for allegedly breaking agreements regarding free and fair elections. Prior to this, on December 3rd between 12:15 PM and 12:45 PM UTC, Iranian state TV reported that the Islamic Republic's foreign ministry had evacuated families of Iranian diplomats from Caracas, Venezuela, citing fears of a potential U.S. military strike. This followed earlier reports of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber heading towards the Gulf and Caribbean. Additionally, geopolitical analyst Ian Bremmer had warned on social media at 1:47 AM UTC on December 3rd of imminent military action against Venezuela, which coincided with observed U.S. military air activity over the Atlantic. On December 2nd, Venezuelan officials Rafael Tudares and Luis Guillermo Isturiz were convicted in Caracas for terrorism and conspiracy, receiving sentences of 30 and 20 years respectively, though Zair Mundaray alleged the charges were fabricated. U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted training in Puerto Rico in support of Operation Southern Spear on December 2nd, as confirmed by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
