US studying new visa restrictions, oil sanctions on Venezuela amid post-election standoff

FILE PHOTO: United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols listens to a question during a news conference, in San Salvador, El Salvador October 27, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas/File Photo

(Reuters) - The U.S. government is "studying very closely" the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on individuals in Venezuela as well as potential revoking licenses for oil companies working in the South American country, in response to what it dubs a fraudulent election, a senior official said on Friday.

Brian Nichols, U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, made the remarks during a webcast briefing with reporters.