Rubio Outlines Three-Step US Plan for Venezuela After Maduro Seizure. The United States has a three-phase strategy for Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said. The plan begins with stabilising the country after U.S. forces seized Maduro, amid warnings from President Donald Trump of further military action if interim leaders do not cooperate. Rubio said Washington now holds “tremendous control and leverage” over Venezuela’s interim authorities as the country moves out of crisis. A second phase would focus on economic recovery, including ensuring U.S. and Western oil companies gain access to Venezuela’s energy sector. Rubio said the U.S. is close to a deal to take and sell between 30 and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, with proceeds managed by Washington. He said the funds would be distributed under U.S. oversight to benefit Venezuelans and prevent corruption linked to the former regime. The final phase would involve a political transition led by Venezuelans themselves, alongside reconciliation and the release or return of opposition figures. The plan has sparked backlash from Democrats, who accused the administration of effectively seizing oil resources while some Republicans warned the focus on oil could undermine U.S. credibility.