DOJO — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is appealing to oil-producing nations for support as U.S. pressure intensifies, a move analysts say underscores just how isolated his government has become. In a letter sent to OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais and released by Venezuelan officials, Maduro accused the United States—under President Donald Trump—of “direct aggression” aimed at destabilizing Venezuela’s energy sector and seizing its vast oil reserves.
What Maduro is asking for
Maduro urged OPEC and OPEC+ nations to intervene diplomatically, warning that U.S. actions were undermining global energy stability.
“Growing aggression threatens the balance of the international energy market,” he wrote, calling on oil-rich states to show solidarity.
The request came after President Trump ordered a full closure of U.S. airspace over Venezuela, a dramatic escalation that further constrains Caracas’ ability to conduct international business.
Venezuela, despite holding the world’s largest proven oil reserves, exported just over $4 billion in crude in 2023 — a fraction of its former output. Years of sanctions, political turmoil, corruption, and economic collapse have left the country in dire financial shape.
Why experts say his plea won’t work
According to Latin American energy specialist Francisco J. Monaldi, Maduro already knows the appeal is symbolic.
“OPEC is not going to get involved,” Monaldi said. “Saudi Arabia sets the tone, and they will not confront the Trump administration. Maduro is framing this as an oil conflict, but he knows there will be no real response.”
Monaldi added that Venezuela is “broke” and drowning in nearly $150 billion in debt, making its oil recovery highly uncertain despite long-term potential.
Rising tensions after Trump–Maduro call
Tensions spiked this week following a phone call in which President Trump reportedly told Maduro he should step down and leave the country — a direct push for political transition.
“A regime change is something the U.S. would view as a positive outcome,” Monaldi said, emphasizing that Washington’s concerns extend beyond oil. U.S. officials cite corruption, human-rights abuses, regional instability and the flow of narcotics as reasons for intensified pressure.
The Trump administration has also expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford, additional warships, thousands of troops, and F-35 fighter jets — moves Caracas has condemned as “colonialist threats.”
A widening geopolitical clash
Trump has repeatedly vowed to supercharge U.S. oil production under his “drill, baby drill” pledge, while simultaneously hitting Venezuela with sanctions targeting top officials, state-run industries, mining operations, and financial dealings.
Caribbean nations, many of which are on the frontline of climate-driven storms, have urged major producers to move away from fossil fuels — placing Venezuela’s political and economic crisis at the center of a broader global divide over energy, climate, and regional security.
