U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that Venezuela can only sell its oil if it serves the interests of the United States, highlighting Washington’s use of energy leverage in its policy toward the South American country.
Vance made the comments in an interview with Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” show, excerpts of which were released ahead of the full broadcast scheduled for later that evening.
“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,” Vance said. “You’re not allowed to sell it if you can’t serve America’s national interest.”
The vice president described recent U.S. actions, including the seizure of a tanker disguised as Russian-flagged to evade sanctions, as part of a strategy to exert pressure without risking American lives.
The remarks come amid intensified U.S. enforcement of sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports and operations targeting vessels linked to the Maduro regime.
