Washington: US President Donald Trump stated that the United States expects to manage Venezuela's oil resources for several years, emphasizing that the US would "rebuild it in a very profitable way."

According to Anadolu Agency - English, during an interview with the New York Times, Trump mentioned that Venezuela's interim leadership, comprised of former allies of the detained President Nicolas Maduro, is cooperating with the US to meet its demands. He highlighted the US's strategy to utilize and distribute Venezuelan oil, aiming to lower oil prices and provide financial aid to Venezuela, which he noted is in dire need of funds.

Trump also revealed that the administration has begun generating revenue for the US by securing previously sanctioned Venezuelan oil, referencing his recent announcement about acquiring between 30 and 50 million barrels of heavy Venezuelan crude. He recalled past grievances, noting that Venezuela had previously taken oil from the US.

The comments were made in the wake of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement of a three-step plan focused on stabilization, recovery, and transition for Venezuela. Trump did not clarify why he recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the new leader over opposition figure Maria Corina Machado. However, he mentioned that Rubio maintains regular communication with Machado and the current administration.

Trump avoided addressing why Edmundo Gonzalez, whom the US declared the winner of Venezuela's 2024 elections, was not installed. During the interview, Trump took a call from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, indicating a reduction in tensions following previous threats of action against Colombia. He remarked that Maduro's capture served as a significant message to regional leaders.

Trump shared insights into the operation's preparations, noting the construction of a life-size replica of Maduro's compound at a Kentucky military facility, and expressed concerns over potential pitfalls reminiscent of past US administrations. However, he refrained from specifying scenarios that might lead to US ground deployment in Venezuela, asserting that relations with the current Venezuelan administration are positive.

Finally, Trump expressed a desire to visit Venezuela in the future, indicating optimism about the country's safety at some point.