In 2019, America broke off diplomatic ties with the Venezuelan regime, led by socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro. This was in response to a suspected hoax election that allowed Maduro to retain leadership and reported widespread human rights violations by his government.
In March 2022, Biden administration officials reopened diplomatic relations with the Maduro regime to probe the prospect of sourcing oil from the country. Iran—if the Iran Nuclear Deal goes through—is also likely to be pursued as an oil source for America. The search for alternative oil sources by the Biden administration happens against the backdrop of recently announced U.S. oil, gas, and coal sanctions against Russia…