The United States has revoked licenses previously granted to several transnational oil and gas companies operating in Venezuela, according to statements made by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and reported by AFP. The move marks a reversal by Washington, which had issued the licenses despite maintaining tariffs and sanctions on the Venezuelan government and its energy sector.

Rodriguez noted that the Venezuelan government had anticipated this development. “We were prepared for this situation and we are ready to continue honoring contracts with these companies,” she stated, signaling that Caracas plans to uphold its commitments with the affected firms despite the U.S. decision.

The specific companies impacted by the revocation were not identified in the announcement, and no formal statement from U.S. officials had been made at the time of the report. The decision is expected to impact operations for major international energy firms involved in Venezuela's oil and gas industry, which has faced years of decline under sanctions and economic instability.

Washington’s decision adds new pressure to an already strained relationship between the two countries. U.S. sanctions on Venezuela have been in place for years, aimed at weakening the government led by President Nicolás Maduro. The now-revoked licenses had previously offered limited operational flexibility for foreign companies, allowing them to continue certain projects under strict regulatory oversight.

With the cancellation of those licenses, the pathway for foreign companies operating in Venezuela becomes even more uncertain. Rodriguez’s statement suggests Venezuela is keen to maintain business relationships independently, seeking to reassure partners of its reliability despite external challenges.

The development underscores the volatile nature of international energy politics and reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions under the administration of President Donald Trump, who is now in his second term. The broader implications of the revocation remain to be seen as both nations navigate their long-standing diplomatic and economic rift.