Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, criticized statements by US President Donald Trump regarding Venezuela’s territory and natural resources during a UN General Assembly meeting marking the International Day Against Colonialism. Moncada’s remarks came after Trump ordered a blockade of oil tankers transiting Venezuela and stated that the country had taken US “oil, land and other assets.” Speaking at the meeting, Moncada said the claims lacked any legal basis and urged the United States to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter.

Moncada also referenced comments made by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who said that Venezuela’s oil belongs to the United States and described the nationalization of Venezuela’s petroleum industry as theft. Venezuela nationalized its oil sector in the 2000s, taking control of assets previously held by foreign companies. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded separately, stating that Trump’s comments reflected an intention to pursue regime change and gain control over Venezuela’s resources.

The exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. In recent months, the United States has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean and Pacific regions and carried out strikes on vessels it has described as linked to drug trafficking. Venezuelan authorities have rejected the US justification for these actions, while reporting that US operations have resulted in more than 100 deaths since September and included an attack on a commercial vessel transporting Venezuelan crude oil off the country’s coast.