Internet State

The Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, Iran, has become a site of mourning after a U.S. airstrike killed approximately 120 children on the first day of the war on Iran. The emotional aftermath is profound, with families coming to the shattered school to grieve and remember their lost loved ones. In related events, the U.S. military reported destroying five additional Iranian oil tankers following missile attacks on a Navy warship.

The U.S.-Venezuela oil deal grants the U.S. majority control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves, creating a dilemma for Venezuelan opposition leaders who fear it may bolster the authoritarian regime while risking their relations with the Trump administration. Despite concerns over the illegitimacy of acting president Delcy Rodriguez, with over 300 political prisoners currently held, nearly all opposition lawmakers voted to approve the deal, recognizing the necessity of foreign investment for economic recovery. Rodriguez’s approval rating, however, has plummeted to just 22% following mismanagement of twin earthquakes that killed over 6,500 people in June.

Since the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces on January 3, 2026, interim President Delcy Rodriguez has initiated a shift towards the privatisation of Venezuela's oil industry, allowing US and foreign companies to tap into the nation’s oil wealth. A significant deal between the US and Venezuela grants US companies access to 65 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, representing 20% of Venezuela's proven 303 billion barrels, and this agreement is touted as the "biggest oil deal in world history" by President Trump. The new deal also stipulates that the US will buy 20% of current and future production at cost, minimizing Venezuela's tax revenue from oil production and restructuring the country's economic landscape.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has criticized Donald Trump’s oil deal with Venezuela's interim government, asserting that the country’s natural resources belong to the Venezuelan people, not “an illegitimate regime.” Trump announced the deal, which involves more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's estimated 303 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves, claiming it to be the “biggest oil deal in world history.” Machado, who was sidelined in the political process, expressed concern that the deal undermines the push for new presidential elections, which her movement is believed to have won in 2024, even as both Trump and the interim president Delcy Rodríguez avoided questions about the timing of future elections.

Venezuela, home to the world's largest known oil reserves, has seen its relationship with the US evolve from cooperative to adversarial since Hugo Chávez became president in 1999, following a history of US interests prioritizing Venezuelan oil supply. Recently, the US announced it would take majority control over approximately 20% of Venezuela's oil reserves, a move framed as securing "energy dominance" for the future. Under Nicolás Maduro, relations have further strained due to accusations of dictatorship, with the UN estimating over 20,000 extrajudicial killings since 2019, while Venezuela's oil industry remains partly reliant on foreign companies despite the nationalization policies instituted by Chávez.

The Trump administration's plan for Venezuelan oil involves partnering with a Venezuelan company for a direct stake in oil production and encouraging private investment from companies like Chevron, but faces significant challenges due to the unstable investment climate in Venezuela. Experts suggest that while access to 65 billion barrels of oil across 17 fields could be appealing, the promised need for $100 billion in private investment to significantly increase production may not be realistic given the current political and physical conditions in the country. The U.S. historically has the capability to refine Venezuela's heavy oil, but a key concern remains the reluctance of investors to operate under a regime led by Nicolás Maduro.

President Donald Trump hailed the recently announced deal granting US control over 17 Venezuelan oil fields, which contain approximately 65 billion barrels of crude, as "the biggest in history." The agreement involves North American Blue Energy Partners, headed by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt López, who has a net worth of around $2.6 billion and has been investigated in five countries for alleged wrongdoing. Despite facing scrutiny over past government contracts worth $5 billion, accusations of overbilling by 138%, and controversies surrounding his business practices, Betancourt's extensive network now includes about 50 companies across 16 countries.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright denied that the US is trying to take Venezuelan oil, describing the deal as a "transformation" of US-Venezuela relations, with Trump claiming it will provide control over 65 billion barrels of oil. The deal, reached with interim president Delcy Rodríguez following President Nicolás Maduro's abduction, is expected to generate over $209 billion in revenues for Venezuela aimed at improving healthcare and education. However, it has drawn criticism for potentially undermining Venezuela's political opposition and resembling "gunpoint diplomacy," as some argue it aligns the US with a foreign dictator.

On August 28, 2026, President Trump announced a deal with Venezuela that would grant the US control over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves, which is over one-fifth of the country's total and aims to increase US oil production by 200,000 barrels per day. Despite hopes of reducing gas prices for Americans, analysts have indicated that US crude prices have actually risen since the announcement, with West Texas Intermediate crude prices moving from $83-$86 per barrel before the deal to higher levels thereafter. The US is currently importing over 500,000 barrels per day from Venezuela, significantly impacting the country's national output of 1.25 million barrels per day.

US officials defended a controversial deal granting the US majority control over 65 billion barrels, approximately one-fifth of Venezuela’s oil reserves, aiming to stabilize and rebuild democracy in the country after decades of autocracy. The agreement gives North American Blue Energy Partners 100-year rights over 17 oil fields, which could generate capital and royalty revenue for Venezuela's interim government, though critics are alarmed that democracy has not yet returned following Maduro's removal. The deal comes amid rising fuel prices, which average $4.10 a gallon, influenced by geopolitical tensions, and aims to enhance US strategic oil reserves after conflicts have disrupted global supply.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is traveling to Venezuela after the country approved a controversial deal granting the U.S. control over 65 billion barrels of its proven oil reserves, which constitutes about one-fifth of Venezuela's total reserves. The agreement allows the U.S. to partner with North American Blue Energy Partners to extract fuel from 17 Venezuelan oil fields for 100 years, and includes a 35% ownership stake for the U.S. Defense Department and a right for the State Department to purchase 20% of the produced oil at cost. Critics have raised concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the deal's terms, while some Venezuelan lawmakers have called for access to its full contents.

The recent US-Venezuela oil deal grants a US-led company 100-year concessions over 17 oilfields, controlling 65 billion barrels of crude, which is over 20% of Venezuela's proven oil reserves. Valued at $100 billion in investment and projected to generate over $200 billion in tax revenue, both President Trump and interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez hailed the agreement as historic, although critics, including Elliott Abrams, condemned it as detrimental to Venezuela's national interests. The deal also allows the US government to have veto power over board appointments in the Venezuelan private oil company North American Blue Energy Partners (Nabep), raising concerns about management and the potential long-term benefits for both nations amidst Venezuela's struggling oil sector.

Alejandro Betancourt, a Venezuelan businessman with a net worth of $2.6 billion, has been appointed by the Trump administration to lead a new US-backed oil venture in Venezuela, securing majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The US government is set to acquire a 35 percent passive stake in Betancourt's North American Blue Energy Partners, Venezuela's second-largest oil firm, as part of the deal. Betancourt has faced multiple investigations for alleged money laundering across various countries, including ongoing scrutiny related to his financial dealings during the socialist government of Hugo Chavez.

The White House announced a partnership with North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) to gain a stake in about 20% of Venezuela's oil reserves, part of a deal described by President Trump as the largest in history. The agreement grants NABEP, owned by Alejandro Betancourt, 100-year rights to 17 oil fields with proven reserves of 65 billion barrels and allows the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital a 35% ownership stake. While Trump claims the deal will ultimately benefit U.S. gas prices and bolster America's strategic oil reserves, analysts warn that reviving Venezuela's oil production could take years.

The White House announced a deal that grants the Pentagon a 35 percent stake in a private joint venture with North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) to access approximately 20 percent of Venezuela's oil output, leveraging 65 billion barrels of proven reserves. Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt's NABEP will invest $100 billion in new oil infrastructure and has been given 100-year rights to operate 17 oil fields, many of which were previously controlled by Russian or Chinese firms. Despite skepticism about the timeline for increasing oil production, Trump emphasized the potential benefits, suggesting that changes in petrol prices may take some time but will help refill the US's strategic oil reserves affected by the global oil crisis.

The Trump administration announced a partnership with the Venezuelan government to create a joint venture for developing a significant portion of Venezuela's oil reserves, with the U.S. expected to receive 55% of the estimated 65 billion barrels produced. This deal comes amidst concerns about undermining Venezuela's sovereignty and the legitimacy of its unelected government, especially as the political situation remains unstable following the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro. The House of Representatives is also preparing to vote on funding measures to prevent a government shutdown at the end of September, following the Senate's approval of the stopgap measure.

The Trump administration has announced a joint venture agreement with a private Venezuelan company, allowing the U.S. to access 55% of an estimated 65 billion barrels of oil from Venezuela's reserves, which Trump labeled as the "biggest oil deal in the world." However, experts express skepticism over the feasibility of the deal, citing the lack of a U.S. national oil company and potential reluctance from international investors due to market volatility and the structure of the "at cost" deal proposed by Trump. Additionally, concerns arise regarding the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government, as the current acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, took office under controversial circumstances after the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro.

A new deal between Caracas and Washington would grant U.S. companies access to over 20% of Venezuela's extensive oil reserves, as claimed by interim leader opposition. However, this agreement faces pushback within Venezuela, raising questions about its legality. Guests include political and economic experts discussing the potential implications of the plan.

President Donald Trump announced that oil from a deal with Venezuela will be used to replenish the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which currently holds about 290 million barrels, near a 44-year low. The agreement, lasting 25 years, will allow Venezuela to develop its oil industry with an initial production target of 1.5 million barrels per day and is expected to generate $209 billion annually for Venezuela, depending on oil prices. Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez emphasized that the deal involves preserving Venezuela's sovereignty over its natural resources while receiving $19 from each barrel sold to the US.

Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has defended a controversial oil deal with the U.S. that reportedly allows Washington to take control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves, claiming the arrangement will generate over $209 billion in revenues and transform the country into an energy powerhouse. The deal, which Trump hailed as "the biggest oil deal in world history," has sparked outrage at home, with critics labeling it a "massive land grab" and a neocolonial action. Venezuela is said to have the world's largest proven crude oil reserves at approximately 303 billion barrels, with the deal aiming to produce over 1.5 million barrels per day from 17 strategic oilfields.

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced a "historic" deal with the United States that will transfer rights to 65 billion barrels of oil over 25 years, allowing the country to develop its oil industry while maintaining sovereignty. The plan aims to produce 1.5 million barrels per day from 17 strategic oilfields and includes a revenue arrangement where $19 from each barrel sold to the US could generate up to $209 billion annually for Venezuela. As part of this initiative, Venezuelan officials are expected to finalize agreements next week with foreign companies, including Chevron, to enhance the nation’s deteriorating energy infrastructure.

The United States has secured a deal to gain majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves, which constitute roughly a fifth of the country's total reserves estimated at 303 billion barrels. This agreement involves 17 strategic oil fields and is touted by President Trump as the "biggest oil deal in world history," claiming it will more than double American oil reserves despite skepticism from analysts regarding the announced numbers. The deal is part of a broader shift in US-Venezuela relations following a military operation that resulted in the imprisonment of Venezuela’s former leader, Nicolás Maduro, and the support of interim President Delcy Rodriguez by the Trump administration.

The US has reached a deal with Venezuela to control over 65 billion barrels of its proven oil reserves, which President Trump claims will more than double American oil reserves and substantially lower gas prices for Americans. The agreement is expected to bring nearly $100 billion in private investment into Venezuela, support thousands of high-paying jobs, and involve the development of 17 strategic oil fields. However, analysts express skepticism regarding the deal's potential effectiveness, citing longstanding obstacles in Venezuela's oil industry amid ongoing political uncertainty.

The United States has finalized a deal granting control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves, with President Trump claiming it will double American oil reserves and significantly reduce gas prices. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez welcomed the agreement, expected to generate approximately $209 billion for the country's treasury. The deal, which aims to revitalize Venezuela's energy sector and could attract nearly $100 billion in private investment, follows weeks of negotiations and could face legal challenges regarding the management of the oil industry.

President Trump announced a deal with Venezuela that could grant the U.S. access to 65 billion barrels of untapped oil reserves, facilitated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and involving the development of 17 fields. The agreement, which is labeled the "BIGGEST OIL DEAL IN WORLD HISTORY," allows the U.S. to own 55% of a new private company set to manage the reserves and could draw $100 billion in investments while yielding over $209 billion in taxes for Venezuela. This announcement comes amidst rising U.S. gas prices, which averaged $4.09 per gallon, up from $3.21 a year earlier, as the country faces challenges in energy supply due to international conflicts affecting oil transportation.

Trump announced a new oil agreement with Venezuela, claiming that the U.S. will have “majority” control of 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in the country. The U.S. is working to increase imports from Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven oil reserves at 303 billion barrels, while also addressing rising gasoline prices ahead of the midterm elections. The announcement has generated mixed reactions, with some Venezuelan opposition figures criticizing it as a "massive land grab."

US President Donald Trump announced a deal to take control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves, boasting that it is the "BIGGEST OIL DEAL IN WORLD HISTORY" with no cost to American taxpayers. Secretary Marco Rubio highlighted that the agreement would result in $100 billion in private investment flowing into Venezuela and would more than double US oil reserves. Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven oil reserves totaling 303 billion barrels, has struggled with production due to mismanagement, decaying infrastructure, and sanctions.

Reports indicate the U.S. government is seeking a substantial stake in Venezuela's oil and gas reserves, which include the world's largest proven crude oil reserves estimated at 303 billion barrels. Current negotiations reportedly involve U.S. officials discussing a direct stake in over a dozen oilfields containing about 90 billion barrels, specifically in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo regions, with possible 100-year leases on these resources. This potential move has generated significant backlash from Venezuelan opposition members, who describe it as a "rapacious land grab" lacking constitutional legitimacy.