U.S. Demands Venezuela's Surrender or Face Strangling Oil Embargo

The United States has issued a stark ultimatum to Venezuela's remaining leadership: comply with all U.S. demands or face a complete naval embargo on the country's oil exports. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is already using this tactic to control the government in Caracas. He described a strategy of "choking" Venezuela's economy by blocking its primary source of revenue. The threat aims to force the resignation of President Nicolás Maduro and key officials. The U.S. recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president. A full naval blockade would prevent Venezuelan oil tankers from leaving port or reaching international buyers. Oil sales fund nearly all of the government's operations. This escalation marks a move from financial sanctions to an active military enforcement of economic isolation. The goal is to cripple the state until power is transferred.