US Demands Venezuela to Cut Ties With China, Russia, Iran, Cuba

US President Donald Trump told Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, that her government must partner exclusively with the United States. According to ABC News, Washington is also demanding that Venezuela significantly scale back its relationships with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba. 

The report states that Venezuela was instructed to expel these four countries and sever economic ties with them. It remains unclear how far the United States intends to go in pushing China, Russia, and others out of Venezuela’s economy. Any effort to cut ties would represent a complete political realignment for the country, which has relied heavily on these nations for economic and security support in recent years under Nicolás Maduro and previously under Hugo Chávez.

In a separate report, The New York Times cited unnamed US officials saying that Washington is pressuring Rodríguez to expel intelligence agents and military personnel from those countries, although some diplomats would be allowed to remain.

While senior US officials have stated that Washington does not seek to occupy Venezuela, Trump has repeatedly made it clear that he intends to play a central role in shaping the country’s future, much of which would be financed through oil revenues. The administration plans to meet with US oil companies next week to discuss potential investments in the South American nation.

This week, Trump said Venezuela would initially begin sending up to 50MMb of oil to the United States, valued at more than US$2.8 billion based on current West Texas Intermediate prices. He added that the oil would be sold at market rates and that the profits would benefit both countries.

Rodríguez Assumes Interim Presidency, Washington Sets Conditions

Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president on Jan. 3, promising to maintain the political project of Nicolás Maduro. Speaking before the National Assembly, Rodríguez condemned the operation and described Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores as being unlawfully detained. She said her priority would be preserving national stability and ensuring social and economic calm. The ceremony was led by her brother, Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, and attended by senior figures from Maduro’s inner circle, including top military and security officials.

The swearing-in coincided with Maduro’s court appearance in New York, where he was arraigned on multiple criminal charges related to large-scale drug trafficking. Despite the proceedings, Maduro claimed he remained Venezuela’s legitimate president.

US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington is willing to work with Rodríguez for now but warned that her position could be short-lived if she fails to comply with US expectations. Trump said the United States is effectively overseeing Venezuela’s transition and emphasized control over reconstruction efforts and the oil sector, while leaving the timing of future elections undefined.

US lawmakers stressed that engaging with Rodríguez does not imply recognition of her legitimacy, arguing instead that it reflects the political reality that she and other sanctioned officials maintain control over Venezuela’s military and security apparatus.