U.S. Demands Venezuela Cut Ties With China, Russia, Iran and Cuba to Resume Oil Exports
Washington Seeks Strategic Realignment and Oil Partnership With Caracas Amid Rising Financial Pressure
The United States has reportedly presented a strict set of preconditions to Venezuela’s interim government, signaling a dramatic shift in its approach to the South American nation’s oil sector. According to sources familiar with the matter, Washington is demanding that Caracas sever economic and strategic ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba before it can resume full cooperation with U.S. oil companies.
The Trump administration is also pushing Venezuela to enter into an exclusive oil partnership with the United States, ensuring that American firms are given priority when selling Venezuela’s heavy crude, the cornerstone of the country’s oil revenue.
Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at 303 billion barrels as of 2024, had previously exported significant volumes of crude to the U.S. before relations soured due to sanctions that restricted Caracas’ access to global markets and the diluents necessary for refining its heavy crude.
Last December, Venezuelan oil shipments averaged over 600,000 barrels per day, analysts report. Meanwhile, the country owes China approximately $10 billion, reflecting Beijing’s role as the largest lender under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro’s predecessors. China continues to receive repayment in crude oil, transported in massive carriers.
Sources said U.S. officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, told lawmakers in a private briefing that they believe Caracas is under significant financial pressure. Current estimates indicate Venezuelan oil storage is nearing full capacity, leaving the country with only a few weeks before potential insolvency.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker emphasized that the U.S. aims to exert control over Venezuela’s oil output without deploying troops, instead relying on economic measures and partnerships.
In recent actions, U.S. authorities have seized Venezuela-linked oil tankers, demonstrating a willingness to enforce sanctions and assert influence over the country’s oil exports.
President Donald Trump has publicly declared that Venezuela will transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, which will be sold at market prices. Profits from these sales are expected to be controlled by Washington, with the aim of benefiting both nations.
According to reports, Rubio outlined a phased plan to sell Venezuelan oil and manage the country’s post-Maduro economic framework, designed to stabilise oil flows while avoiding direct taxpayer burden.
The conditions set by Washington mark a significant geopolitical move, as cutting ties with major partners such as China and Russia could reshape Venezuela’s international alliances and provoke diplomatic pushback.
