The Trump administration has unveiled a series of stringent requirements for Venezuela to resume its oil production and trade.
According to an exclusive report by ABC News, at the heart of these demands is the complete control of Venezuelan oil in exchange for U.S. support, coupled with a severance of economic ties with Cuba and three other international allies.
Insiders familiar with Washington's plans reveal that the White House has communicated to Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, that cutting ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba is a non-negotiable step for reactivating the country's oil sector.
"The country must expel China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba and sever economic ties," three individuals briefed on the administration's plan told the media outlet.
Additionally, Venezuela would need to partner exclusively with the United States for oil production, prioritizing sales of its heavy crude to the U.S.
In practical terms, these demands would mean that Venezuela's energy policy would become heavily influenced by American interests.
Maximum Pressure Strategy: Full Tanks and Financial Threats
Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the strategy in a closed briefing with U.S. lawmakers, arguing that the United States can pressure Caracas due to the precarious logistical and financial state of the South American country.
"The U.S. can force Venezuela's hand because their oil tankers are currently full," Rubio stated, adding that Caracas has just weeks to avoid financial insolvency if it fails to sell its reserves.
Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, confirmed to ABC News that the U.S. plan relies on controlling Venezuelan oil, but ruled out military intervention for now.
"The government intends to control the oil, taking charge of the tankers, and none will go to Havana," Wicker emphasized.
He elaborated that until these tankers start moving—presumably to the free market—there are no more tankers to fill, as they are already completely full.
Wicker highlighted that Venezuela lacks available vessels to transport additional crude, making U.S.-controlled marketing the only viable option.
Trump's Pledge to Oversee Oil Revenue: "For Venezuelan and U.S. People"
President Trump publicly announced on Tuesday that the Venezuelan "interim authorities" would deliver between 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States for sale at market prices.
"I will oversee those funds to ensure they benefit the Venezuelan and American people," Trump declared.
This announcement underlines Trump's intent to directly influence the Venezuelan economy, bypassing Caracas's control over its oil revenues.
Furthermore, Trump warned of a "total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela."
When pressed by reporters on the scope of this measure, he tersely replied, "It's just a blockade. No one who shouldn't pass will pass."
International Reactions: China Calls Out "Bullying," OAS Warns of Interference
The international response has been swift.
China, one of the major powers directly targeted by U.S. demands, strongly condemned Washington's stance.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, labeled Trump's proposal as "a textbook example of bullying."
"Venezuela is a sovereign nation with full and permanent sovereignty over its natural resources and all economic activities within its territory," Mao asserted.
She further stated that forcing Venezuela to manage its energy resources under a "U.S. first" approach severely violates international law.
Beijing reiterated that the interests of China and other nations in Venezuela must be respected, advocating for bilateral cooperation based on "mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefit."
Simultaneously, during an extraordinary session of the Organization of American States (OAS), countries like Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Brazil condemned the U.S. stance, arguing that such pressure threatens regional stability and sovereignty.
As of this article's publication, the Cuban regime has not commented on the U.S. condition imposed on Venezuela, which would further exacerbate Cuba's already critical situation.
What About Caracas? Official Silence So Far
Thus far, Venezuela's provisional government led by Delcy Rodríguez has not issued an official response to Washington's conditions.
The silence stands in stark contrast to the gravity of the demands, which would directly impact foreign relations, export revenues, and the international cooperation model that the Venezuelan regime has maintained for years.
The plan revealed by ABC News and confirmed by various sources, including Senator Roger Wicker, highlights an escalating strategic economic pressure by the Trump administration.
The imposed conditions not only aim to control the flow of Venezuelan oil but also to entirely reshape Caracas's geopolitical alliances.
If Venezuela chooses to comply with the demands, it would effectively abandon decades of cooperation with Cuba, China, Russia, and Iran.
Key Questions About U.S. Oil Strategy and Venezuela
What are the main conditions set by the U.S. for Venezuela's oil trade?
Venezuela must sever economic ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, and partner exclusively with the U.S. for oil production and sales.
How does the U.S. plan to enforce these conditions?
By leveraging Venezuela's logistical and financial vulnerabilities, including full oil tankers, and threatening insolvency if reserves are not sold.
What has been the international reaction to the U.S. demands?
China condemned the demands as bullying, while the OAS and several Latin American countries criticized the U.S. for threatening regional stability.