US-Venezuela Tensions Soar: Oil, Sanctions Fuel Dangerous Standoff

• US-Venezuela relations hit rock bottom due to military presence, sweeping sanctions, and political ultimatums.
• Venezuela, holding the world's largest proven oil reserves, became a US focus after Hugo Chavez nationalized its oil industry in 1999.
• Economic collapse followed a 2014 oil price crash, leading to a refugee crisis and intensified US sanctions against Maduro's government.
• Recent escalation includes increased US military presence in the Caribbean, vessel seizures, airspace closure, and a reported Trump ultimatum.
• US cites "narco-terrorist state" and human rights abuses; Venezuela claims US seeks oil control and regime change, warning of conflict risks.

Why It Matters: Oil, sanctions, and political power struggles push US and Venezuela to a dangerous, escalating standoff.