US media: Washington begins selling Venezuelan oil
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- US begins official sale of Venezuelan oil, first deal valued at $500 million.
- Maduro arrested by US forces; Trump announces transitional management and US investment in oil sector.
US media report that Washington has officially begun selling Venezuelan oil, with transactions expected to continue in the coming days.
CNN cited a senior government official on Wednesday saying the first Venezuelan oil deal, valued at $500 million, has been completed.
Energy officials who met with President Donald Trump at the White House expressed doubts about the administration’s Venezuelan oil plans. Several executives reportedly left the meeting without committing to invest billions due to concerns over operating in Venezuela amid ongoing conflicts.
Read more: Trump vows to cut off Cuba's oil after abducting Venezuelan ally Maduro
White House official Taylor Rogers said, "The president’s team is in ongoing positive discussions with oil companies willing to make unprecedented investments to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure."
US military action and Maduro arrest
On January 3, 2026, in a violation of international law, US forces launched an attack on Venezuela, resulting in casualties and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were taken to the United States.
Trump later announced that the US would oversee Venezuela during a transitional period and send companies to invest in the oil sector, without providing a specific timeline.
Read more: Oil prices drop 3% after Trump comments On Iran
In New York, during his first court session, Maduro rejected charges including "leading a corrupt government" and "collaborating with drug traffickers," calling himself a "prisoner of war".
