United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on Monday that Washington will not permit any foreign governments or oil companies to engage with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s administration in energy-related activities. The announcement marks a sharp escalation in U.S. policy against Caracas.

Rubio emphasized that nations allowing their firms to produce, extract, or export Venezuelan oil will face punitive measures. “This is a regime that has consistently stolen elections, pillaged from its people, and colluded with our enemies,” he stated. The warning is aimed at curbing international cooperation with what the U.S. considers an illegitimate government.

Under the new directive, any country purchasing oil from Venezuela will be subject to a 25% tariff beginning April 2. Rubio added that foreign companies participating in Venezuela’s oil industry will be sanctioned, with penalties ranging from financial restrictions to trade limitations.

These measures follow President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting energy revenue as a pressure point against Maduro. The administration aims to isolate Venezuela economically, cutting off access to resources that could sustain the government amid ongoing political unrest and economic collapse.

Rubio’s statement reinforces the Trump administration’s commitment to restoring democratic order in Venezuela and pressuring foreign actors to disengage from supporting the Maduro government. The sanctions framework is expected to impact several global oil firms, particularly in countries with historical energy ties to Caracas.

While no specific companies or countries were named, the announcement signals Washington’s readiness to expand its sanctions regime. Analysts expect diplomatic pushback from affected states, as well as legal challenges from multinational corporations facing economic fallout.

As April 2 approaches, energy markets and foreign ministries are preparing for the ripple effects of this U.S. policy shift, which could reshape international trade dynamics in the oil sector and further isolate Venezuela on the global stage.