The President's Daily Brief PDB Situation Report | January 10th, 2026: Former CIA Caracas Chief Explains What's Next For Venezuela & Iran’s Regime On The Brink
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Jan 10, 2026 
Rick DeLatore, a retired CIA operations officer and former Chief of Station in Caracas, discusses the recent US operation that removed Nicolás Maduro, detailing the challenges of transitioning power in Venezuela. He outlines the complexities of foreign influence and the internal corruption within the military. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, analyzes the escalating protests in Iran, highlighting their shift from economic grievances to a direct challenge to the regime's legitimacy and the potential implications for its future.
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Operation Focused On Precision Over Confrontation
- The U.S. operation to remove Nicolás Maduro combined long intelligence preparation with speed, surprise, and precision to avoid broader conflict.
- Rick DeLatore says the mission gives Venezuelans a real chance to reclaim democracy after years of criminal governance.
Stability First, Elections Next
- Removing Maduro solved the immediate problem but left Venezuela's institutions and day-to-day needs unchanged.
- DeLatore says stabilizing security first then enabling exiles to return and elections follows as the pragmatic path forward.
Legitimacy Requires Credible Elections
- Short-term transition may require interim leaders even if critics call them illegitimate.
- DeLatore argues a clear, well-run election will undercut claims of illegitimacy and solidify authority.