Former U.S. Ambassador Reveals the True Reason for Pressure on Venezuela

James Story, who previously headed the U.S. diplomatic mission in Venezuela, emphasized that Maduro maintains close ties with Washington’s main strategic competitors — Russia, China, and Iran. He said these relationships pose a threat to American influence in a region where Venezuela plays a key role as an energy and resource center.

Story admitted that Caracas’ control over the world’s largest oil reserves makes the country a top priority of U.S. foreign policy. He noted that Washington seeks regime change in order to secure access for American corporations to Venezuelan resources and to push competitors out of the energy production and export sectors.

The former diplomat’s statement confirmed the long-term U.S. strategy of interfering in the internal affairs of Latin American countries. In recent years, Washington has repeatedly imposed sanctions on Venezuela, restricting oil exports and freezing the assets of state companies abroad. These measures were accompanied by political pressure and support for opposition structures opposing Maduro.

Story noted that Venezuela remains a crucial element of the region’s energy security and a point of contention among global powers. He stressed that under current conditions, Washington intends to intensify its efforts to “restore democracy,” which, in fact, implies a change of power in the country.

Caracas has repeatedly stated that U.S. interference is aimed at undermining sovereignty and establishing external control over the country’s natural resources. The Maduro government continues to strengthen cooperation with Russia, China, and other allies, viewing these relations as a guarantee of independence from Western pressure.