Venezuela Grants U.S. Control of 65 Billion Barrels of Oil

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez granted the United States control of approximately one-fifth of Venezuela's oil reserves through a joint venture with North American Blue Energy Partners. The agreement secures 100-year rights over 17 oil fields containing 65 billion barrels of proven reserves.

This arrangement follows the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces earlier this year. While the deal is expected to generate billions of dollars to repair an industry crippled by sanctions and mismanagement, experts warn that degraded infrastructure will delay any significant increase in production.

Rodríguez stated her goal is for Venezuela to become an "energy powerhouse." U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the mission as a way to bring "peace, freedom, opportunity and prosperity to the people." Despite these official positions, many Venezuelans view the transfer of resource control as a surrender.