The Trump administration is asserting control over Venezuelan oil, after seizing a pair of sanctioned tankers on Wednesday Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has defended plans to open up her country’s oil market to Washington, as Donald Trump’s vice-president JD Vance reiterated that the US would have complete control of the country’s supplies. Rodríguez said on Wednesday that America’s attack to remove her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, put a “stain” on the countries’ relations, but added it was “not unusual or irregular” to trade with the US, adding that Venezuela was “open to energy relations where all parties benefit.” Continue reading...

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, in remarks due to air later on Wednesday, said Venezuela can only sell its oil if it serves the interests of the United States.