Rubio: Venezuela seeks to include seized tanker oil in US deal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed on Wednesday that Venezuela's interim authorities are seeking to incorporate oil from a recently seized tanker into a broader negotiation with Washington. Rubio stated that the authorities understand their economic survival depends on cooperating with the United States, as a US-led oil "quarantine" prevents them from moving their resources independently.

Details of US Leverage and Proposed Deal

Rubio outlined a "threefold process" for Venezuela, starting with stabilization. He emphasized that America's strongest leverage is its control over Venezuelan oil shipments, citing recent seizures of sanctioned vessels. He revealed a pending deal to purchase 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil stuck in the country, which would be sold in the US at market rates. "They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they cooperate and work with the United States," Rubio told reporters on Capitol Hill.

Military Seizure and Broader Context

The remarks followed an announcement by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) that a "stateless, sanctioned dark fleet" tanker, the M/T Sophia, was apprehended in the Caribbean and escorted to the US. This action is part of an escalating pressure campaign that recently included a military operation to capture former President Nicolás Maduro, who has pleaded not guilty to US charges. The Trump administration frames this as enforcing the Monroe Doctrine and combating narcotics trafficking.

Contrasting International Approaches

This strategy of economic coercion and military intervention starkly contrasts with the diplomatic approaches favored by other nations. Countries like Türkiye, Russia, and Iran have consistently called for dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, opposing unilateral sanctions and military actions that exacerbate humanitarian crises.