US VP Says Venezuela Can Only Sell oil if it Serves US Interests

U.S. Senator JD Vance, who was recently picked as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's running mate, holds a rally in Glendale, Arizona, U.S. July 31, 2024. REUTERS/Go Nakamura

US Vice President JD Vance, in remarks ​due to air later on Wednesday, said Venezuela can only sell its oil if it serves the interests ‌of the ‌United States.

Vance ‌told ⁠Fox ​News’ “Jesse ‌Waters Primetime” show that the United States — which carried out strikes against the South American country and ⁠captured its president over ‌the week — controls Venezuela’s ‍purse ‍strings.

“We control the ‍energy resources, and we tell the regime, you’re allowed to sell the ​oil so long as you serve ⁠America’s national interest, you’re not allowed to sell it if you can’t serve America’s national interest,” Vance said.

Excerpts of the interview were released before it aired.