U.S.-Venezuela Oil Pact Draws Domestic Backlash Over Secrecy and Terms

The U.S. and interim Venezuelan administration announced a deal granting Washington a partial stake in 17 oilfields at no upfront cost, with conflicting statements on its duration—Trump said 100 years, while Venezuela's Rodríguez said 25. Critics across Venezuela's political spectrum condemned the agreement as opaque and reminiscent of colonial or oligarchic exploitation. Chevron and Eni also unveiled separate production expansion plans, with Chevron targeting an increase of over 300,000 barrels per day within five years.