The intervention involves reviving the oil industry, which has suffered from corruption and decline, along with managing Venezuelan exports.
The U.S. intervention in Venezuela was announced following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated in an interview with CBS News that it could extend for “one or two years, or even more.”
Wright emphasized that the primary goal of U.S. presence is to stabilize the nation, protect oil assets, and lay the groundwork for a democratic government.
“Currently, Venezuela lacks a legitimate government. We want to make progress and achieve that, but I’m not sure how long it will take. It’s not weeks; it’s more like months. It could be one or two years, or possibly longer,” Wright declared.
The official explained that, in addition to overseeing oil production, the U.S. aims to indirectly control the flow of crude oil and limit the influence of Cuban mercenaries and groups like Hezbollah in the Western Hemisphere.
Wright stated on the program “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that there is a “very real possibility” that the U.S. will acquire a financial stake in Venezuelan oil, while President Trump met with oil executives at the White House, urging them to reinvest in Venezuela.
“We are changing the game in Venezuela. Venezuela has purchased $20 billion worth of Russian weapons. They have Cuban mercenaries there. They supply oil to Cuba. They host Hezbollah’s headquarters in the Western Hemisphere. Venezuela has been a very dangerous and destabilized country,” he expressed.
The U.S. intervention also includes the revitalization of the oil industry, which has been affected by decades of corruption and decline, and managing Venezuelan exports through U.S. companies.
Wright pointed out that open auctions are being held for U.S. companies to access assets like Citgo Petroleum, aiming to maximize revenues that will return to Venezuela while ensuring energy security for the U.S.
“There are many investors and U.S. entrepreneurs in the refining sector involved, so transferring Venezuelan-owned refineries in the U.S., legally through an auction process, to U.S. refining owners and entrepreneurs sounds fantastic to me,” he said.
The Energy Secretary also addressed the security situation in the country. While dismissing claims that the interim regime is targeting Americans, he acknowledged the presence of armed collectives that patrol and maintain control over certain areas.
Thus, the U.S. administration emphasizes the need to work with those still in power to prevent the collapse of the country and allow for an orderly transition. “The interim authorities are trying to establish power. The collectives have been out of control in Venezuela for over a decade,” he noted.
Simultaneously, the U.S. government is encouraging participation from the Venezuelan opposition. Opposition leader María Corina Machado is expected to travel to Washington to meet with President Trump on Thursday.
This meeting is part of a three-point plan mentioned by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which includes stabilization, rehabilitation, and transitioning to a democratic government.
Regarding the energy sector, Wright highlighted that a significant increase in oil production is projected, but timelines will depend on the involvement of U.S. private companies.
According to recent statements from Chevron executives, a 50% increase in production could take between 18 and 24 months, aligning with the forecast that the U.S. intervention will remain for several years.
Finally, Wright reiterated that the long-term goal is for Venezuela to regain its full sovereignty, but he acknowledged that “this is a process” that will require time, resources, and coordination with both local actors and international investors.
Agencies