Overview
- The Secretary of State said the U.S. oil quarantine remains in force and warned that sanctioned vessels headed to or from Venezuela will be seized.
- He emphasized the policy targets sanctioned oil flows rather than military control of fields, conditioning any change on governance fixes in the industry.
- Rubio said the White House expects dramatic interest from Western companies to return if conditions allow, though he has not recently spoken with U.S. firms.
- Chevron is currently the only U.S. company operating in Venezuela under a special license, with Gulf Coast refineries described as well suited for heavy crude.
- Rubio referenced Maduro’s ouster and U.S. custody as he outlined using interdictions and a capable regional force to pressure remaining leaders toward a transition.