Saturday, March 29, 2025
Summary:
Venezuela has long relied on China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba for economic and security support, especially during the Chavez and Maduro regimes. Completely severing these ties would mark a major reversal in Venezuela’s foreign policy.
January 7, 2026, 8:16 AM IST
Tensions between the US and Venezuela have already reached a boiling point following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. Amid this, the United States has issued yet another decree against Venezuela, demanding that it reduce ties with four countries—one of which is Russia, a close ally of India.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has given strict instructions to Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, insisting that her country enter an exclusive oil production partnership with the US and prioritize sales of its heavy crude oil to America. According to an ABC News report, the US is also demanding that Venezuela scale back relations with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba—and fully sever economic ties with them.
Citing three anonymous sources, the report states that Venezuela will only be allowed to ramp up oil production if it agrees to these conditions. The White House has not immediately commented on the report. These demands come after US special forces arrested Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York, with Delcy Rodríguez subsequently declared interim president.
Venezuela has long depended on China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba for economic and security aid, particularly under the rule of Hugo Chávez and Maduro. Fully breaking these relationships would represent a dramatic shift in the country’s foreign policy.
On Monday evening, Trump stated that Venezuela would send 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, potentially valued at around $2.8 billion at current market prices. He announced that the oil would be sold at market rates, with the proceeds used for the benefit of both nations. Trump also said his administration would meet with US oil companies next week to discuss investments in Venezuela.
Senior US officials have clarified that America does not seek to occupy Venezuela. However, Trump has repeatedly emphasized that the US will play a major role in shaping the country’s future, primarily funded through oil revenues. This development could profoundly impact the global oil market and geopolitical relations, given Venezuela’s possession of the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
