US Denies War With Venezuela, Imposes Oil Quarantine Over Security Threats

The United States has denied engaging in a war with Venezuela, clarifying that its actions are focused on enforcing a comprehensive oil quarantine and conducting targeted law enforcement operations to address drug trafficking, foreign interference, and national security threats.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained in interviews released Sunday that Washington is leveraging sanctions and court-authorized seizures of Venezuelan oil shipments to exert pressure on Caracas. He emphasized that these measures are designed to compel policy changes without occupying Venezuelan territory.

Rubio said the policy follows the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, describing the operation as a limited law enforcement action rather than a military invasion. U.S. authorities are seizing sanctioned vessels entering or leaving Venezuelan waters as part of the oil quarantine, which he termed “crippling leverage” to counter threats posed by drug traffickers, armed gangs, and foreign actors including Iran and Hizballah.

On the legal basis for these actions, Rubio confirmed that U.S. courts have authorized the seizures. “These are sanctioned boats. We go to court, we get orders, and we seize them,” he said, adding that the Maduro operation did not require congressional approval because it was a law enforcement mission, not a military campaign.

The Secretary of State stressed that the U.S. is not running Venezuela and maintains no permanent troop presence, apart from a brief operation during Maduro’s arrest. While President Donald Trump retains military options, no occupation or long-term deployment has been ordered.

Rubio outlined conditions for easing U.S. pressure, including dismantling drug trafficking networks operating through Venezuela, removing Iranian and Hizballah influence, and reforming the oil sector to ensure revenue benefits the Venezuelan populace rather than corrupt elites.

He also confirmed that Chevron is currently the only U.S. oil company active in Venezuela but suggested that Western companies could return if meaningful reforms are implemented. U.S. Gulf Coast refineries are well-positioned to process Venezuelan heavy crude, potentially generating revenue for citizens under a restructured oil industry.

Regarding calls for immediate elections, Rubio described them as unrealistic given the prolonged political crisis. He reiterated U.S. support for a democratic transition but emphasized that security and national interest considerations remain the immediate priority.

“We are not at war with Venezuela. We are at war with drug trafficking organizations,” Rubio said, stressing that American actions are measured by concrete outcomes rather than statements. “Our number one objective is America, but we want a better future for the people of Venezuela as well.”