The Venezuelan regime has accused the United States of attempting to seize control of the country's substantial oil reserves.
In a letter directed to the Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its member countries (OPEC+), Nicolás Maduro accused Donald Trump of aiming to take Venezuelan oil "through the use of lethal military force."
"The world is well aware of the harmful impacts caused in other oil-producing nations due to the military interventions orchestrated by the United States and its allies," the letter addressed to Haitham Al Ghais states.
Maduro emphasized that Venezuela will stand resolute in defending its energy resources and will not succumb to any form of coercion or threat.
OPEC's Involvement in the Crisis
Maduro has called upon OPEC member nations to assist in thwarting what he terms as an "increasingly aggressive threat" that seriously endangers the stability of the international energy market.
Trump's Conversation with Maduro
On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he had a phone conversation with Maduro amidst escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. This revelation was made aboard Air Force One during an informal talk with reporters.
When directly asked whether he spoke with Maduro, as reported by The New York Times, Trump simply replied, "The answer is yes." However, he refrained from labeling the call as either good or bad, stating, "It was just a call."
Heightened Tensions and Secret Conversations
The public acknowledgment of this contact follows reports by The New York Times and Infobae, which revealed the conversation between Trump and Maduro the previous weekend.
While initial reports suggested they discussed a potential meeting in the United States, Infobae's extended report claimed the White House categorically denied any intention of such a meeting.
According to Infobae, Trump issued an ultimatum: Maduro and his inner circle, including Diosdado Cabello, Vladimir Padrino López, and the siblings Delcy and Jorge Rodríguez, must leave Caracas.
Subsequently, Washington designated the so-called Cartel of the Suns as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), thereby expanding military and financial operations against the Chavista leadership.
Military Pressure Remains
During his conversation with the media, Trump advised against overinterpreting the situation regarding a potential imminent attack on Venezuela. Nevertheless, his remarks are at odds with the prevailing tension in the region.
Since September, the United States has conducted multiple airstrikes on vessels in the Caribbean, and the president hinted that operations might soon extend to land targets.
“The terrain is easier,” Trump noted in recent days, emphasizing that no options are off the table.
Moreover, sources cited by Reuters indicate that the CIA has intensified covert operations to prepare "political transition options," while the Pentagon maintains a naval blockade off the Venezuelan coast.
Understanding the Conflict Over Venezuela's Oil
Why is the United States interested in Venezuela's oil reserves?
Venezuela holds one of the largest oil reserves in the world, making it a significant geopolitical and economic interest for many countries, including the United States.
What actions has Maduro taken to defend Venezuela's oil resources?
Maduro has called on OPEC and its member countries to help defend against external threats and has vowed to protect Venezuela's energy resources from foreign intervention.
How has the international community reacted to the U.S.-Venezuela tensions?
The international community remains divided, with some countries supporting U.S. actions and others backing Venezuela's sovereignty and right to its resources.