US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that the Trump Administration is pursuing a phased strategy in Venezuela focused on immediate stabilization, economic recovery, and an eventual democratic transition. Speaking at a congressional hearing on US policy toward Venezuela, Rubio said Washington’s objective is to reach a phase of transition where the US is left with a friendly, stable, prosperous Venezuela. Rubio said that the situation under Nicolas Maduro posed a direct risk to US security interests. He said Venezuela had become a base of operation for virtually every competitor, adversary, and enemy in the world, naming Iran, Russia, and China. He described it as an enormous strategic risk for the United States within the Western Hemisphere.

 

To stabilize the country, Rubio outlined a temporary mechanism allowing sanctioned Venezuelan oil to be sold at market prices under US oversight. Rubio said Washington plans to restore a diplomatic presence in Caracas to engage not only with authorities but also with civil society and opposition figures. Addressing concerns about future military involvement, Rubio said the administration does not anticipate any further military action in Venezuela.