The United States has reportedly demanded that Venezuela sever economic ties with several countries, including Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, in exchange for increased oil production, according to ABC News. This development comes after US commandos detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a nighttime raid, which Venezuela has denounced as a violation of its sovereignty.
The White House allegedly wants Venezuela to partner exclusively with the US on oil production and give preference to American companies when selling crude oil. President Donald Trump has emphasized the need for US access to Venezuela’s oil industry, which he claims was unfairly nationalized by Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez. Trump recently stated that the interim authorities in Venezuela would be handing over 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to be sold under US control.
However, Delcy Rodriguez, a Maduro ally and acting president, has denied that the US or any other foreign entity would control Venezuela’s oil. The Venezuelan authorities have demanded the release of Maduro and Flores, who have pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and weapons charges in a New York court.
The international community has condemned the US actions, with Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia describing the abduction of Maduro as a “cynical crime” at the UN Security Council. China’s envoy, Sun Lei, has also expressed concern, stating that US actions in Venezuela pose a threat to regional peace and security. Venezuela’s Prosecutor General, Tarek Saab, has characterized the US military operation as an “illegal act of armed aggression of a terrorist nature.”
The situation has significant implications for global oil production and exports, as well as regional stability. The US push for control over Venezuela’s oil industry has raised concerns about the country’s sovereignty and the potential for increased tensions in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, international attention will remain focused on the developments in Venezuela and the potential consequences for global energy markets and geopolitical relations.
