Amanze Chinonye
Venezuela has formally called on OPEC and its member nations to unite against what it describes as U.S. aggression, specifically warning of threats to seize its vast oil reserves through military action.
The appeal came in a letter from President Nicolás Maduro to OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais, publicized by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil via Telegram.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn his correspondence, Maduro insisted that Venezuela “will remain firm” in defending its natural resources and denounced the U.S. plan as a “mechanism of force” intended to take control of Venezuelan oil using “lethal military force” against its territory and institutions. He argued that such actions violate international norms and pose a direct threat to the stability of Venezuelan oil production and the global energy market.
Maduro also reminded the international community of the “harmful consequences” of previous U.S. interventions in other oil-producing nations, emphasizing that Venezuela would not “succumb to any type of blackmail or threat” from Washington.
The letter urged OPEC members to coordinate a response to prevent destabilization of the energy market for producers and consumers alike.
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Vice President’s Statement
Separately, Venezuela’s Vice President warned that the United States intends to seize the country’s oil reserves through military force.
“The U.S. intends to seize the vast oil reserves of our country, the largest in the world, through the use of military force,” the Vice President said. “Venezuela will remain firm in the defense of its natural energy resources. Nothing will stop us.”
U.S. Military Pressure and Trump’s Meeting
The diplomatic appeal comes amid an escalating U.S. military posture in the region. President Donald Trump recently warned that Venezuelan airspace could be “completely shut down,” prompting Caracas to demand “unconditional respect.”
The U.S. has deployed over a dozen warships and 15,000 troops across the Caribbean under “Operation Southern Spear” and conducted multiple strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking. Trump also announced that the U.S. would soon target Venezuelan drug trafficking by land, in addition to sea.
Trump is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting at 5 p.m. ET Monday in the Oval Office to review options regarding Venezuela. Key attendees are expected to include Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the White House Chief of Staff.
The president confirmed he had spoken with Maduro over the phone but did not reveal the contents of their discussion. CNN reported that Last week, the administration formally designated Maduro and several government allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization, a move officials say expands U.S. military options inside Venezuela.
The meeting comes as lawmakers scrutinize the legality of U.S. strikes on suspected drug vessels, which have reportedly killed more than 80 people.
Maine Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Congress would investigate the chain of command and the orders given for follow-up strikes, warning that targeting survivors could constitute a “stone-cold war crime” and murder.
With tensions rising on both the diplomatic and military fronts, analysts note that the situation carries profound implications for regional stability and the global energy market.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
