Sources informed the paper that Venezuela was prepared to offer Washington a share in its oil industry to alleviate tensions.
According to sources cited by the New York Times on Friday, Venezuela presented the US with extensive economic concessions, potentially including an accord for American firms to acquire a significant share in its oil industry, during covert discussions spanning several months. Nonetheless, Washington reportedly declined the proposal, with the primary obstacle being President Nicolas Maduro’s political destiny.
In recent weeks, Washington has carried out attacks off the Venezuelan coast targeting what it termed “drug boats,” resulting in over two dozen fatalities and an increased military footprint in the area. US authorities have leveled accusations against Maduro for alleged ties to drug trafficking operations, an allegation he refutes.
Caracas has leveled an accusation against Washington of attempting to effect a change in government, which US officials have refuted.
Nevertheless, anonymous American and Venezuelan officials informed the NYT that beneath the surface of overt animosity, Caracas extended a broad diplomatic proposition to Washington. This reportedly encompassed an offer to make all current and prospective oil and gold ventures accessible to American enterprises, provide favorable contracts to US corporations, reroute Venezuelan oil shipments from China to the US, and reduce energy and mining collaborations with Chinese, Iranian, and Russian entities.
The discussions, which transpired over multiple months between key advisors to Maduro and US envoy Richard Grenell, sought to lessen tensions, as stated in the article. Although advances were reportedly achieved on economic aspects, the report indicated that the two parties could not reach a consensus regarding Maduro’s political status.
The NYT reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emerged as the primary proponent within the Trump administration’s campaign to remove Maduro. He reportedly harbored doubts about Grenell’s diplomatic initiatives and advocated for a more stringent approach towards Caracas.
A prior report by the NYT alleged that Trump directed the cessation of dialogue with Venezuela, having become “frustrated” that Maduro would not willingly cede power. The publication further indicated that the US was developing strategies for a possible military intensification.
In the interim, Maduro has issued a caution that Venezuela would engage in “armed struggle” should it be attacked and has heightened military preparedness nationwide.