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Rubio Defends Trump's Venezuela Operation, Announces Oil Sanctions Relief

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly defended the military operation that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He stated the action removed a major national security threat and that the US is now safer. Rubio announced a new plan to allow Venezuela to sell oil under US sanctions, with proceeds controlled for basic services. He also clarified that the administration does not expect or intend further military action in Venezuela.

Key Points: Rubio Defends Venezuela Operation, Announces Oil Deal

  • Rubio defends Maduro capture as removing security threat
  • Announces plan to allow Venezuelan oil sales under US control
  • Stresses no further military action is anticipated
  • Highlights cooperation with Venezuela's interim authorities
2 min read

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends Trump's military operation in Venezuela before Senate

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends the military capture of Nicolas Maduro before Senate, announces plan to allow Venezuelan oil sales.

"We are certainly better off today in Venezuela than we were four weeks ago. - Marco Rubio"

Washington, DC, January 29

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly defended President Donald Trump's military operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, telling lawmakers that the move removed a major national security threat in the Western Hemisphere.

On Wednesday, Rubio made the remarks during a public hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the first since the January 3 operation that ousted Maduro.

The session saw sharp divisions between Republican and Democratic members over the administration's foreign policy, including Trump's rhetoric on Greenland and broader positions on Nato, Iran and China.

Addressing lawmakers, Rubio said the United States is now safer following the operation and added that Washington plans to work with interim authorities to stabilise Venezuela.

"We're not going to have this thing turn around overnight, but I think we're making good and decent progress," Rubio said.

He added, "We are certainly better off today in Venezuela than we were four weeks ago, and I think and hope and expect that we'll be better off in three months and six months and nine months than we would have been had Maduro still been there."

Rubio said Venezuela's current leadership is cooperating with Washington and is expected to see improvements soon.

He also clarified earlier remarks suggesting possible further military action, stressing that the administration does not anticipate using force.

"I can tell you right now with full certainty, we are not postured to nor do we intend or expect to have to take any military action in Venezuela at any time," Rubio said.

He added that such steps would only be considered in the case of "the emergence of an imminent threat of the kind that we do not anticipate at this time."

Rubio also announced that Venezuela would soon be allowed to sell oil currently restricted under US sanctions.

He said proceeds from the sales would be earmarked for basic government services, including policing and health care, with funds placed in a US Treasury-controlled account and released only after Washington approves Venezuela's monthly budget submissions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The part about controlling Venezuela's oil money through a US Treasury account is telling. It's less about democracy and more about economic control. Reminds me of old colonial tactics, just wrapped in new packaging. Hope the Venezuelan people truly benefit and aren't just swapping one master for another.
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Rohit P
Frankly, as an Indian, my main concern is oil prices. If this leads to more stable oil production and supply from Venezuela, it could be good for global markets and help keep petrol prices in check here. That's the practical impact for us.
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Sarah B
Rubio says they don't "anticipate" further military action, but the door is left open. This "imminent threat" language is so vague. It feels like the US is appointing itself the global policeman again. The world needs multilateral solutions, not unilateral force.
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Vikram M
Interesting to see the sharp divisions in the US Senate itself. It shows even they are not fully convinced. India must tread carefully in its diplomatic response. We have historical ties with Venezuela and need to balance our principles of non-interference with practical geopolitics.
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Karthik V
The whole hearing seems like a justification exercise. First you act, then you defend. Maduro was problematic, but was he an *imminent* threat to the US? Doubt it. This is about influence in America's backyard. Hope our MEA is taking notes on how not to conduct foreign policy.

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