Washington also insists that Venezuela conduct oil production exclusively in cooperation with the U.S., giving American companies priority in the sale of heavy oil. Sources claim that meeting these conditions is necessary for discussions on lifting restrictions on increasing oil production in the country.
At a closed briefing for members of Congress on January 5, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington has leverage over Caracas. He pointed out that Venezuelan tankers are filled with oil, and without its sale, the country could face financial difficulties in the coming weeks.
Trump also mentioned on his social media platform Truth Social that the interim authorities in Venezuela could transfer between 30 to 50 million barrels of oil, which are under sanctions, to the U.S. According to him, this oil would be sold at market prices, and the revenue would be controlled by the U.S. president to ensure its use "in the interests of the people of Venezuela and the United States."
Additionally, Politico reported on Washington's demands to Delcy Rodriguez, including combating drug trafficking, expelling Iranian, Cuban, and other agents deemed hostile to the U.S., as well as halting oil supplies to competitors. American officials also expect support in organizing free elections in Venezuela and the subsequent departure of Rodriguez from office.
