The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of attempting to seize its oil reserves. This was reported at the second 2025 OPEC+ ministerial conference, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia. Venezuela alleges that the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean Sea, justified as a counternarcotics operation, is a threat to its resources. In a letter signed by President Nicolás Maduro and published by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, the Venezuelan executive accused Washington of seeking to take control of its oil reserves through «lethal military force against the territory, the people, and the institutions of the country.» «This pretension not only contravenes the provisions governing peaceful coexistence among nations, but also seriously endangers the stability of Venezuelan oil production and the international market,» the statement added. The Maduro government affirmed that Venezuela will remain firm in defending its natural energy resources and «will not succumb to any kind of blackmail or threat.» It also hopes for the best efforts from the OPEC secretary-general and alliance members to stop what it considers an «aggression that is growing stronger» and «seriously threatens the energy market balance for both producers and consumers.» Since mid-August, the U.S. has maintained a naval and air deployment in the Caribbean near Venezuela, defending it as part of its counternarcotics strategy, which Caracas views as a threat aimed at fostering a government change.
