‘It was always about oil’: Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez accuses US of ‘energy greed’, signals openness to fair deals

She said Washington DC’s actions were driven primarily by its interest in Venezuela’s vast energy resources.

Speaking during a live broadcast on state television VTV, Rodríguez said the accusations leveled by the United States were merely a pretext.

“You all know that the energy greed of the North wants the resources of our country. All the falsehoods about drug trafficking, democracy and human rights were the excuses,” she said.

Despite the sharp criticism, Rodríguez said Venezuela remained open to energy cooperation, provided it was based on mutual benefit and clearly defined commercial terms.

“We are open to energy relationships where all parties benefit, where cooperation is clearly defined in a commercial agreement,” she added.

Rodríguez also acknowledged a deep rupture in bilateral ties, describing the current state of relations as unprecedented.

“There is a stain on our relations such as had never occurred in our history,” she said while addressing leaders of the National Assembly.

Calling for unity at home, the interim president announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at ensuring political and social stability.

She urged all political forces to work together to overcome internal divisions, warning against extremist ideologies.

“Extremist or fascist social, political and economic expressions cannot be allowed, because they have led to very dangerous situations for the life of this Republic,” Rodríguez said, stressing the need for “peace and national coexistence.”

Her remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump said Venezuela would use revenue from a new oil agreement to purchase goods made exclusively in the United States.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the funds would be used to purchase American agricultural products, medicines, medical devices, and US-made equipment to upgrade Venezuela’s electricity grid and energy facilities.

Trump described Venezuela as being “committed” to doing business primarily with the United States, calling the arrangement a “wise and very beneficial” decision for both countries, even as tensions between Washington and Caracas continue to run high.