WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the Senate on Wednesday that the United States could resort to the use of force if Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, does not cooperate fully with Washington’s agenda for stabilizing the country following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. The strong language was part of Rubio’s testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee outlining U.S. policy toward Venezuela after the January 3 operation that resulted in Maduro’s arrest.
In his prepared remarks, Rubio said Washington hopes it will not need to employ military force, but made clear that the option remains on the table if diplomatic and political steps fail. “We are prepared to use force to ensure maximum cooperation if other methods fail,” Rubio’s speech states, according to documents released ahead of his Senate appearance.
Rubio described a staged plan to help restore stability in Venezuela, emphasizing close monitoring of the interim government’s actions. Although he reiterated that the United States is not at war with Venezuela, he stressed that cooperation with American objectives — particularly on energy, trade, and security — is essential.
According to Rubio’s remarks, Rodríguez has signaled willingness to cooperate with Washington. He noted that she is aware of the fate of Maduro and that her interests could align with key U.S. goals, including opening Venezuela’s energy sector to American companies and shifting economic ties away from U.S. adversaries.
The warning reflects deepening U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs following the controversial capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in early January — an operation that Washington characterizes as a law enforcement action, not a military occupation.
Rubio’s testimony comes amid concerns within the Senate about the scope and legality of U.S. actions in Venezuela. Some lawmakers have expressed unease over the potential use of military force, while others maintain that ensuring Venezuelan cooperation is necessary for regional stability and U.S. national security.
The situation remains fluid, with U.S. authorities continuing to push for Venezuela’s interim leadership to align with American strategic objectives, while leaving open the prospect of more forceful measures if cooperation falters.
