"Get China, Russia, and Cuba out of Venezuela," the US begins the oil game; what is Trump's plan?

News Topical, Digital Desk : US President Donald Trump has imposed strict conditions on Venezuela's new interim government. Last week, Nicolas Maduro was captured and taken to the US following US attacks, and now Trump's team has clearly told interim President Delcy Rodriguez that if more oil is to be extracted and sold, all economic ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba must be severed.

The Trump administration wants Venezuela to partner exclusively with the United States in oil production and to prioritize the sale of its heavy crude oil to the United States, according to American news broadcaster ABC News. The report, citing three sources, said Trump's demands are essential for Venezuela's new leadership. Amid political turmoil in the country, Trump has claimed that the United States now controls Venezuela.

US oil conditions

The Trump administration has clearly told Venezuela's interim government that it will be allowed to expand its vast oil reserves only if it agrees to these conditions. The first condition is to expel China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba from the country and end all economic ties with them. The second condition is that Venezuela partner exclusively with the United States in oil production and sales, particularly giving the United States priority in the sale of heavy crude oil.

China has been Venezuela's largest oil buyer, and the two countries have had close ties for years. But Trump now wants to end all that so that American companies can take over the oil industry there.

How is America applying pressure?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that it's easier to pressure Venezuela because its existing oil tankers are already full. Meaning, without new production, it won't be able to sell more oil, increasing the strain on the economy. This is why the Trump administration believes interim President Delcy Rodriguez will be forced to accept these conditions.

Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves, but years of crisis and sanctions have severely crippled its oil industry. Trump believes American companies can revive it, but the government must agree to US conditions.

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