US expects up to 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, Trump says
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
Venezuela's interim authorities will transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality sanctioned oil to the United States, US President Donald Trump said.
"I am pleased to announce that the interim authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States of America. This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!" Trump wrote.
He also reported that he had asked US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to "execute this plan, immediately."
The American president noted that the oil would be delivered by tanker vessels directly to unloading docks in the United States.
US operation in Venezuela
On January 3, the United States carried out a large-scale special operation in Venezuela, striking the capital, Caracas, with airstrikes. The operation involved aviation, naval forces, drones, and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) assets.
The objective of the operation was the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the US military transported to America together with his wife, Cilia Flores.
US President Donald Trump officially confirmed the success of the operation and stated that Maduro is facing trial on charges of narco-terrorism.
In addition to establishing drug trafficking schemes, Maduro is accused of illegal possession of automatic weapons and destructive devices, as well as conspiracy to use such weapons against the United States.
On January 5, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty in a New York court. The hearing lasted about 30 minutes, and the next one is scheduled for March 17.
Previously, the media reported that court proceedings in Maduro's case in the United States would not begin before 2027. For now, the court is only setting the schedule for the exchange of evidence and conducting preparatory procedures.
Trump previously stated that the United States would "run" Venezuela. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that this refers to the coordination of the transitional period policy. The priority remains access to energy resources to stabilize the global market and rebuild the country.
