"Frankly, and also a military option, which is, President Trump has said, on the table, and remains on the table. It's a very serious option, obviously … none would like to see, but clearly one that is seriously considered as events unfold", the official said on Friday.
Earlier on Friday, US Vice President Mike Pence had announced sanctions on 34 vessels owned or operated by PDVSA as well as two firms transferring Venezuelan oil to Cuba.
"We acted upon the request from the Venezuelan National Assembly in sanctioning those companies and some of their vessels that are involved in this transport and shipment as well as… over 30 ships, I think it was 34 ships belonging to PDVSA also involved in that shipment", the official said.
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The United States has already imposed punitive measures on Venezuela's state oil producer PDVSA, blocking $7 billion worth of the company's assets remaining under US jurisdiction. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to increase production for an additional one million barrels of oil daily, reacting to American restrictions and pressure.