Venezuela open to oil deal, says Rodriguez, as Vance claims US controls' country's resources

"Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has defended plans to open up her country's oil market to Washington, as Donald Trump's vice-president JD Vance reiterated that the US would have complete control of the country's supplies. Rodriguez said on Wednesday that America's attack to remove her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, put a stain on the countries' relations, but added it was not unusual or irregular to trade with the US, adding that Venezuela was open to energy relations where all parties benefit."

"Trump's administration has sought to assert its control over Venezuelan oil, seizing a pair of sanctioned tankers on Wednesday, while announcing it would manage all sales of future crude production and oversee the sale of the country's petroleum worldwide. We're going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela, US energy secretary, Chris Wright, said. First this backed-up store of oil, and then indefinitely going forward we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela in the marketplace."

"In an interview on Fox News, Vance said Venezuela would only be able to sell its oil if it serves the interests of the US. We control the energy resources, and we tell the regime, you're allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve America's national interest, you're not allowed to sell it if you can't serve America's national interest, Vance said."

Delcy Rodriguez defended plans to open Venezuela's oil market to the United States and said Venezuela is open to energy relations where all parties benefit. JD Vance stated the US would have complete control of Venezuelan supplies and would permit sales only if they serve American national interests. The US seized two sanctioned tankers and announced it will manage all sales of future Venezuelan crude and oversee global petroleum sales. The US energy department said only oil transported through approved channels consistent with US law and national security will move in and out of Venezuela. Control over Venezuela's large reserves could expand US influence on global oil supplies.

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