WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump indicated that U.S. oversight of Venezuela could extend well beyond a year, as he spoke in a recent interview with The New York Times. Following a military operation that led to the capture of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Trump stated the U.S. would “run” Venezuela's oil extraction industry for an unspecified period.

Trump emphasized, "I would say much longer," when asked about the duration of U.S. involvement. He mentioned that the U.S. would procure a significant number of barrels of Venezuelan oil, promising to rebuild the country's oil sector in a profitable manner. "We're getting oil prices down, and we're going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, now serving as the interim leader, reaffirmed Venezuela's openness to international energy relations aimed at mutual benefit. Speaking to the National Assembly, she stated, “Venezuela is open to energy relations where all parties benefit." Rodriguez insisted that the nation’s vast oil and gas reserves should serve not only national interests but also contribute to global energy markets.

Tensions remain high, particularly following the U.S. raid that led to Maduro's capture, with reports of casualties surfacing. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced at least 100 deaths as a result of the raid, describing it as a "barbaric attack" and asserting that Venezuela had become a victim of aggression.

As the situation unfolds, Trump did not specify when elections might take place in Venezuela or whether he would consider military action should access to the oil resources be obstructed. His remarks and Rodriguez's responses underline the considerable strain between the two countries and the complexities surrounding Venezuela's future energy landscape.