Marco Rubio: US Controls Venezuela's Oil Revenue with "Tremendous Leverage"

US Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tankers

• 🚢 The US has seized a Venezuela-linked sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic and another in the Caribbean Sea as part of a campaign initiated in early September.
• 🔑 These seizures are part of a strategy to exert control over Venezuela's oil sales and their proceeds.

US Leverage and Control Over Venezuela

• 💡 Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. possesses "tremendous leverage" over Venezuela.
• 💰 This leverage includes the ability to control the movement of oil, which is crucial for Venezuela's revenue and economic stability.
• 🤝 The U.S. is prepared to use this leverage under the right conditions to help stabilize the country, with the ultimate transformation resting on the Venezuelan people.

Cost and Military Operations

• 💰 The U.S. involvement in Venezuela, including oil-related operations, is stated to "not cost us any money".
• ⚓ Military assets, such as naval ships, are constantly deployed globally; their presence in the Caribbean for counter-cartel missions or ensuring justice is a matter of operational readiness, not an additional cost.
• 🇺🇸 The U.S. military's sophisticated operations in the hemisphere are highlighted as a display of "an administration of action" advancing national interests.

Venezuelan Response and Future Outlook

• ⛽ Venezuelan interim authorities have requested that the seized oil be part of a deal, indicating their understanding that cooperation with the U.S. is necessary to move oil and generate revenue.
• ⏳ While instant outcomes are desired, the process is described as a transition, with progress expected from new deals and the leverage the U.S. holds.
• 🇷🇺 A Russian flag tanker was also mentioned in relation to seizures, highlighting the international dimension of these actions.