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US Blockade Forces Venezuela Cooperation on Oil, Says Energy Secretary

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that Washington's economic blockade on Venezuelan oil provided crucial leverage, compelling the Venezuelan government to seek constructive work with the United States. He framed the blockade as a method of enforcing sanctions and exerting pressure without resorting to traditional military force. The remarks follow claims by former President Donald Trump of improved cooperation from Caracas after military action, including the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump also stated that interim authorities would turn over millions of barrels of sanctioned oil, with proceeds controlled to benefit both nations.

Key Points: US Blockade Gives Leverage Over Venezuela: Energy Chief

  • Blockade enforces sanctions without combat
  • Venezuelan govt now seeks US cooperation
  • Oil revenues key to constructive work
  • Trump claims improved cooperation post-strikes
2 min read

Blockade gave leverage to US as Venezuelan govt agrees to work with Washington: Energy Secretary Wright

US Energy Secretary says economic pressure forced Venezuela to work with Washington, allowing sanctions enforcement without traditional military combat.

"We have a leverage now. We've got a Venezuelan government that wants to work with the United States. - Chris Wright"

Washington DC, January 9

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday said Washington's economic pressure, including a blockade over Venezuelan oil exports, has helped leverage the Trump Administration to influence Caracas to work with them, noting that the blockade was also significant for enforcing the sanctions on the Latin American country.

During an interview with Fox News, the Energy Secretary stated that economic blockade is a way to exert pressure in the region without resorting to traditional military combat.

He asserted that the move by the US could see a "very, very positive change in the trajectory of Venezuela".

"A large military force is down there to enforce the sanctions... and with the blockade, he (Trump) enforced the sanctions. We have a leverage now. We've got a Venezuelan government that wants to work with the United States and that tried to end the corruption, or at least they will work constructively with the US because that's the only way they will get the oil revenue. This is using military force without firing bullets, without soldiers on the ground and with the full impact of the force," Wright said to Fox News.

"I think we're going to see a very, very positive change in the trajectory of Venezuela," he added.

His remarks come after US President Donald Trump stated that there was improved cooperation from Caracas following his military action in the country, which led to the capture of the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President said relations between Washington and Caracas have entered a phase of cooperation, particularly on rebuilding and modernising Venezuela's oil and gas infrastructure.

Trump, following the strikes on Caracas last week, stated that the interim authorities in Venezuela would turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States and noted that while the oil will be sold at its market price, the money will be controlled by Trump to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.

Earlier in December, Trump announced a "total and complete blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump had said Venezuela has been designated a "foreign terrorist organisation" and accused the Maduro government of using oil revenues to fund "drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
"Using military force without firing bullets" – this is a powerful statement. It shows how geopolitics has evolved. From an Indian perspective, we've seen how economic interdependence can be both a strength and a vulnerability. The US clearly holds the cards here.
R
Rohit P
The part about Trump controlling the money from the oil sale is concerning. Who decides what 'benefiting the people' means? This feels like a new form of colonialism, just wrapped in different terms. Venezuela's sovereignty seems heavily compromised. 🤔
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Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations, this is a classic case of hard power vs. soft power. The blockade is hard power in an economic form. It's effective but raises ethical questions. The US is essentially dictating terms after forcing a regime change.
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Vikram M
This is why India has always pushed for strategic autonomy and multi-alignment. You don't want to be in a position where another country can choke your economy to force compliance. Jai Hind! Our foreign policy needs to be smart and self-reliant.
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Kavya N
The article mentions corruption. If the new government works with the US to genuinely tackle that, it could be good for Venezuela in the long run. But the method feels heavy-handed. There has to be a better way than blockades that hurt common people the most.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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