U.S. authorities have notified Spanish oil company Repsol that its license to export oil from Venezuela is to be revoked, a company spokesperson said on Monday, while Spain's foreign minister promised to defend Repsol's interests.

A Repsol representative said to Reuters on Monday that the US government has canceled the company's authorization to import oil from the South American country.

U.S. authorities have alerted Repsol that its license to export oil from Venezuela is at risk of revocation. The company is seeking to continue operations through discussions with U.S. officials. Other firms like Maurel & Prom and Eni are also affected amid heightened sanctions announced by former president Trump.