The USA demands that Venezuela expel spies from China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, as well as sever economic ties with these countries.

The Trump administration insists that the interim authorities of Venezuela expel all suspected spies and agents of foreign intelligence services from the country, including representatives from China, Russia, Cuba, and Iran. This statement was made by a U.S. official and reported by Axios. It is important to note that this demand does not pertain to the regular diplomatic corps.

Trump also expressed concern that Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, may face consequences if she ignores Washington's demands, up to the threat of a new military operation in the region.

According to sources from ABC News, the U.S. administration has set two main conditions for increasing oil production in Venezuela. First, Caracas must rid itself of the influence of China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, and cease economic ties with these countries. Second, Venezuela must agree to exclusive cooperation with the United States in oil production, prioritizing American buyers when selling its heavy oil.

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, told lawmakers in a closed briefing on Monday that the U.S. could force Venezuela to meet these conditions, given that its oil tankers are filled to capacity. Estimates suggest that Caracas has only a few weeks left before financial collapse if it does not start selling its oil reserves.

In an interview with ABC News, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker confirmed that the U.S. plan includes control over Venezuelan oil. "The government aims to control the oil tankers, and none of them should be heading to Havana," Wicker noted. He added that Venezuela cannot continue oil production as it has no places to store and ship, as the tankers are overflowing and waiting to be sent to appropriate ports.

However, Wicker emphasized that this plan does not involve the deployment of U.S. troops. "This is not about having troops on the ground... This is not part of our plan," he said.

On Tuesday evening, Trump announced that the interim authorities of Venezuela are ready to transfer between 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. for sale at market price, with the president himself overseeing the incoming funds to ensure they are used for the benefit of both the Venezuelan and American peoples.

An administration representative noted that "the President speaks of the need to exert maximum pressure on the remaining elements in Venezuela and to ensure their cooperation with the U.S., including ending illegal migration, combating drug trafficking, restoring oil infrastructure, and acting in the interests of the Venezuelan people."

In December, Trump ordered a "full and comprehensive blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers heading to and from Venezuela." When asked about the significance of this measure, the president replied, "It's simply a blockade. We will not allow anyone to pass who should not pass."

Trump's seizure of Venezuela's oil resources has once again raised the issue of "petrodollars," as noted by Reuters economic analyst Jamie McGiver.

While the U.S. may have many reasons to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, one of the less discussed reasons is Washington's concern about the potential decline of the "petrodollar" influence on the global stage.

Today's oil production volumes in Venezuela are only 1 million barrels per day, yet the country's reserves—around 300 billion barrels (17% of global reserves)—are the largest in the world.

Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States is interested in tapping into this vast potential. However, keeping all future Venezuelan production under U.S. control could significantly impact not only energy markets but also the ability to generate a much larger amount of petrodollars—a tool that has long supported U.S. dominance in the global financial system.

The term "petrodollar" emerged in the mid-1970s when the U.S. and Saudi Arabia agreed that global oil trade would be conducted exclusively in dollars. This created a new source of demand for the American currency and strengthened the strategic, economic, and political power of the United States.