Washington: The administration of President Donald Trump has imposed a series of conditions on Venezuela's interim government to allow the Latin American country to increase its oil production and exports.

According to Philippines News Agency, Washington is demanding that Caracas sever economic and political ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba and accept an exclusive partnership with the United States in the oil sector, prioritizing the US market for heavy crude oil sales.

During a confidential briefing to Congress, Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that the United States has significant leverage, as Venezuelan oil tankers, crippled by sanctions and the US naval blockade, are already full and the country risks insolvency within weeks without new oil sales.

The Chairman of the Senate Defense Committee, Roger Wicker, confirmed that the US strategy focuses on controlling shipping and vessels, excluding the use of troops on the ground.

Trump announced yesterday that Venezuelan interim authorities will transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, to be sold at market price, with the proceeds managed under US control.

This initiative is part of a maximum pressure strategy announced in recent weeks, which includes a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.