US Takes Venezuelan Oil

Trump Seizes Opportunity Amid Energy Shortage

The U.S. faces rising gas prices and dwindling crude reserves, pushing Trump to act fast Fortune. By securing 65 billion barrels, the administration aims to stabilize domestic energy costs. This represents roughly 21% of Venezuela's total reserves and signals a major U.S. pivot toward Venezuela's vast oil wealth.

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How Maduro's Capture Enabled the Oil Deal

The pathway to this agreement began nine months earlier ABC7. U.S. forces launched a military operation to capture President Nicolás Maduro and extradite him for federal narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges. With Maduro removed and an interim government in place, negotiations became possible.

Delcy Rodriguez now leads Venezuela as interim president WMAR2. She proved willing to negotiate oil access where Maduro had resisted. This shift in leadership directly enabled the breakthrough deal on U.S. terms.

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Venezuela's Oil Wealth Makes It a Strategic Prize

Venezuela's 303 billion barrels represent the largest proven reserves outside the Middle East ABC7. That's 17% of global supply. For decades, this vast resource remained locked away due to U.S. sanctions and diplomatic tensions. Now, direct U.S. control changes the energy equation dramatically.

The 65-billion-barrel deal gives America a reliable long-term source KTNV. This reduces U.S. dependence on unstable Middle Eastern suppliers. It also strengthens America's global energy position and provides leverage in geopolitics.

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Key Players Behind the Historic Agreement

Secretary of State Marco Rubio led diplomatic efforts Fortune. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth managed military coordination. Both worked directly with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez to hammer out terms. Trump announced the deal via social media, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels.

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