According to information provided by Axios citing American sources, the administration of Donald Trump is demanding that the interim government of Venezuela rid itself of all suspected foreign intelligence agents, particularly from China, Russia, Cuba, and Iran. This demand does not affect the regular diplomatic staff.
Trump warned interim leader Delcy Rodriguez that ignoring these demands could lead to the possibility of a second military intervention in the country.
According to three sources from ABC News familiar with the administration's plans, to increase its oil production, Venezuela must meet two main conditions set by Washington. First, the country needs to eliminate the presence of China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, as well as cease economic ties with them. Second, Venezuela must agree to exclusive cooperation with the USA in oil production, preferring America for the sale of heavy oil.
At a closed briefing for lawmakers on Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the USA has the ability to force Venezuela to comply with these demands, as its oil tankers are overflowing. According to Washington's estimates, Caracas has only a few weeks left before financial collapse without selling its oil reserves.
Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, confirmed in an interview with ABC News that the US strategy is aimed at controlling Venezuelan oil. "The plan is to take control of the oil, including the tankers, and none of them will go to Havana," he noted. The senator added that Venezuela can no longer increase production as it has nowhere to store and ship the oil—tankers are full and waiting to be sent to suitable ports.
Nevertheless, Wicker emphasized that this plan does not involve sending American troops. "This is not about having troops on the ground... This is not part of the plan," he stated.
On Tuesday evening, Trump announced that the interim government of Venezuela would agree to provide the USA with 30 to 50 million barrels of oil for sale at market price. The president also stated that he would oversee how the proceeds would be used to ensure they benefit both the Venezuelan and American people.
As a senior administration official noted, "The president emphasizes the need to exert maximum pressure on the remaining elements in Venezuela and ensure their cooperation with the USA, including stopping illegal migration, halting drug trafficking, and restoring oil infrastructure for the benefit of the Venezuelan people."
In December, Trump issued an order for a "full and comprehensive blockade of all oil tankers subject to sanctions heading to and from Venezuela." When asked about the significance of this measure, he replied, "It's simply a blockade. We will not allow anyone to pass who should not pass."
Trump's seizure of Venezuelan oil resources has revived the discussion about the "petrodollar," as reported by Reuters economic commentator Jamie McGiver.
There are many reasons why the USA might seek to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, but one of the less discussed aspects may be the administration's concern about the declining global influence of the "petrodollar."
Currently, Venezuela produces only 1 million barrels of oil per day; however, its reserves, which amount to about 300 billion barrels (17% of global reserves), are the largest in the world.
Donald Trump makes it clear that the USA is interested in tapping into this vast potential. However, keeping all future Venezuelan oil production under US control could impact not only energy markets but also generate significantly more petrodollars—a tool that has long helped strengthen US dominance in the global financial system.
The term "petrodollar" was introduced in the mid-1970s when the USA and Saudi Arabia agreed that global oil trade would be conducted exclusively in dollars. This decision became a source of new demand for the American currency and strengthened the strategic, economic, and political power of the United States.
