U.S. officials have reportedly warned Diosdado Cabello, a key ally of Nicolás Maduro and Venezuela's interior minister, that he could face consequences if he does not support acting president Delcy Rodríguez. The warning comes amid a U.S. effort to maintain stability within Venezuela's leadership while pursuing a transition and unrestricted access to the country's oil reserves, Reuters reported.

U.S. officials are reportedly concerned that Cabello, long considered by many to be the de facto No. 2 in the Maduro regime, might undermine Washington's plans. The U.S. strategy aims to keep key figures from Maduro's inner circle in place to ensure a smooth transition.

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing political and economic turmoil in Venezuela. Maduro's government has faced widespread condemnation for its human rights record and its handling of the country's economic crisis, which has led to shortages of food, medicine, and basic necessities. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the country in recent years, creating a regional refugee crisis.

The U.S. has been a vocal critic of Maduro and has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials and entities in an effort to pressure the government to hold free and fair elections. The U.S. recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela, a position supported by a number of other countries in the Americas and Europe.

Senator Marco Rubio outlined a three-point plan for Venezuela, though the specifics of the plan were not detailed in the report. The U.S. continues to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government, with President Trump stating on Monday that Venezuela would be turning over $2 billion worth of crude oil to the U.S., a move intended to divert supplies from China and alleviate Venezuela's economic struggles. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain as international actors continue to navigate the complex political landscape.