Trump administration seeks priority access to heavy crude, curbs on China, Russia, Iran and Cuba
January 7, 2026: The Trump administration has conveyed to Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez that Washington wants an exclusive partnership on oil production, with US companies playing a central role and American buyers being prioritised for the country’s heavy crude exports. The reported demands are part of broader talks on future engagement and signal intensifying US pressure on Caracas over its energy sector and geopolitical alignments.
Alongside oil-related conditions, the US has asked Venezuela to sharply scale back its economic and political ties with China, Russia, Iran and Cuba, urging the removal of their influence from the country. The move reflects Washington’s long-standing efforts to isolate Caracas from its traditional allies while tightening control over Venezuela’s vast energy resources. The White House has not issued an official response on the reported discussions.
The developments come amid heightened tensions following a covert US operation that reportedly brought Nicolás Maduro and his wife to New York to face narco-terrorism charges. The couple pleaded not guilty at their first court appearance, with Maduro maintaining that he remains Venezuela’s president. The operation and the fresh demands on oil cooperation have drawn strong reactions in Washington, earning praise from Republicans while prompting scepticism among Democrats.