Overview
- President Donald Trump said Venezuela will deliver 30–50 million barrels of crude for U.S.-managed sale, with proceeds held in U.S.-controlled accounts and spent on American-made products such as agricultural goods and medical equipment.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the U.S. intends to manage Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely as part of a sanctions enforcement strategy and reconstruction effort.
- U.S. authorities confirmed the capture of two sanctioned tankers, including a Russian-linked vessel, with assistance from the British military, drawing protests from Moscow.
- The White House said it has maximum leverage over interim authorities in Caracas, a claim rejected by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who insists Venezuela remains in charge.
- U.S. officials are discussing an extension of Chevron’s special license to operate in Venezuela as Washington courts American firms, while industry analysts report Chinese independent refiners plan to replace lost Venezuelan barrels with Iranian crude.