Venezuela Accuses US of Oil Greed as New Energy Deal Talks Gain Momentum

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez has sharply pushed back against recent accusations from the United States on drug trafficking, democratic backsliding and human rights, claiming that Washington's real interest lies in Venezuela's vast oil reserves as talks over a new energy deal slowly take shape.

Speaking during a live broadcast on state television channel VTV, Rodríguez accused US leaders of using political allegations as a smokescreen for economic ambitions. According to her, decades of criticism aimed at Venezuela have been driven less by governance concerns and more by the country's strategic energy resources.

"The energy greed of the North wants Venezuela's resources," Rodríguez said. "All the accusations about drug trafficking, democracy and human rights were simply excuses."

Venezuela oil agreement talks amid rising tensions

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Rodríguez signalled that Caracas remains open to renewed oil trade - provided it is governed by clear commercial terms. She said Venezuela is willing to engage in energy partnerships that are mutually beneficial and transparent, even as discussions around a possible Venezuela oil agreement gather momentum.

"Our position is pragmatic," she said, stressing that Venezuela is prepared to sell energy under defined rules that respect national sovereignty and economic balance.

In remarks shared separately on social media, Rodríguez reiterated that US narratives surrounding crime and democratic standards were rooted in crude oil interests. "It was always about the oil," she said, dismissing years of diplomatic pressure as resource-driven.

Strained relations and domestic safeguards

While acknowledging renewed engagement, Rodríguez warned that US-Venezuela relations have suffered long-lasting damage. Addressing Venezuela's National Assembly, she said sanctions and political hostility had left a "stain" on bilateral ties unlike anything seen before.

She also announced that a new bill would be introduced in parliament to protect internal stability as negotiations move forward. The proposed legislation, she said, would prevent extremist political and economic actions that could destabilise the country, framing it as part of a broader push for peace and national coexistence.

Trump ties oil deal to US-only trade

Rodríguez's comments followed statements by US President Donald Trump, who confirmed that any Venezuela oil agreement would come with strict trade conditions. According to Trump, revenues earned from oil sales would be used exclusively to purchase US-made goods.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Venezuela would buy American agricultural products, medicines, medical equipment and energy infrastructure tools using oil income. He described the arrangement as creating a closed trade loop that benefits US manufacturing and strengthens America's role as Venezuela's primary trading partner.

Trump called the proposed structure "very beneficial" and suggested it marked a strategic reset in relations, even as deep political mistrust and competing narratives continue to shape the negotiations.