Stabilisation, recovery and transition: Marco Rubio outlines US plan for Venezuela after oil deal

Nearly a week after the United States carried out a military raid in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, US officials have shared a detailed plan for the country’s future. The plan was presented by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth following meetings with lawmakers. Their goal is to stabilize Venezuela, recover its economy, and guide the country through a transition process.

The raid, which took place on January 3 in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, resulted in at least 100 deaths. Maduro and his wife were captured during the operation and taken to the United States. They have since been tried in New York on charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Both have denied the charges during their first hearing.

Speaking to reporters, Rubio explained that the US strategy has three main phases: stabilization, recovery, and transition. Each phase is designed to address different aspects of Venezuela’s political and economic crisis.

Phase one: Stabilisation and quarantine

The first phase focuses on stabilizing Venezuela’s economy and preventing chaos in the country. Rubio said that this will involve controlling and selling sanctioned oil, with profits being carefully managed to benefit the Venezuelan people. “We don’t want it descending into chaos. Part of that stabilization is our quarantine, which gives us leverage to manage the country’s resources,” he said.

Rubio added that the US plans to seize more Venezuelan oil that is currently “stuck” due to sanctions. Recently, two more oil ships were taken under US control. In addition, an oil deal with Caracas has been finalized, in which the US will acquire between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to sell at market prices. Rubio emphasized that this revenue will be dispersed in a way that helps Venezuelans directly, rather than benefiting Maduro’s regime.

The goal of this phase is to stabilize the country’s finances, ensure citizens have access to basic needs, and prevent further economic collapse. By controlling oil sales and managing funds, the US hopes to provide immediate relief to the Venezuelan population.

Phase two: Recovery

The second phase focuses on the recovery of Venezuela’s economy and political institutions. Rubio explained that the Venezuelan oil market will be opened to other countries and foreign companies. American, Western, and other international businesses will be allowed to buy and sell Venezuelan oil under fair conditions.

This phase will also involve working with the government under interim president Delcy Rodriguez to initiate a reconciliation process. Rubio stated that opposition members who are currently in prison will be released or allowed to return to Venezuela. Efforts will also be made to rebuild civil society, strengthen democratic institutions, and restore public trust in governance.

Rubio highlighted that this recovery process will help rebuild infrastructure, create jobs, and provide stability to citizens who have suffered under political unrest and economic mismanagement. The phase aims to establish a fair and open environment for trade, investment, and social progress.

Phase three: Transition

The third phase of the plan, according to Rubio, focuses on the political transition in Venezuela. While he did not provide specific details, it is expected that this will include national elections led by opposition forces, as called for by Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Machado. The transition is aimed at creating a democratic government that represents all Venezuelans, allowing for long-term stability and governance reforms.

Rubio mentioned that the phases may overlap in some areas, and more detailed plans will be shared in the coming days. He stressed that the US is committed to moving forward positively and helping Venezuela recover from years of economic and political turmoil.

The military raid and subsequent capture of Maduro have heightened tensions in the region, but US officials emphasize that their actions are aimed at stabilizing the country and supporting Venezuelans. By focusing on stabilization, recovery, and transition, the US hopes to restore order, rebuild institutions, and provide a path toward a democratic and prosperous Venezuela.

This three-phase approach demonstrates a comprehensive plan that combines economic management, social recovery, and political reform. The involvement of international companies and the careful handling of oil revenues are intended to ensure that Venezuela benefits directly from its resources while avoiding further corruption or misuse.

With Maduro and Cilia Flores facing trial in the US, the focus now shifts to implementing the plan on the ground. The success of these efforts will depend on cooperation from local authorities, support for democratic processes, and international assistance in stabilizing the country. The overarching goal is to prevent further conflict, rebuild public trust, and lay the foundation for a new chapter in Venezuela’s history.