Venezuela open to oil deal with US, says acting president
Venezuela has indicated it is willing to engage with the United States on oil sales, though it has not agreed to an exclusive partnership with Washington.
The Trump administration had previously demanded that Caracas sever ties with China, Cuba, Russia, and Iran, while giving the U.S. priority access to its oil production. This followed President Donald Trump’s claim that Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, would deliver between 30 and 50 million barrels of crude to the U.S. Trump also stated that Venezuela had committed to doing business with the U.S. as its principal partner and would use the revenue from the oil deal to purchase only American-made products.
During a meeting with leaders of the national assembly, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez acknowledged the strained history between the two countries, including what she described as a U.S. attack that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. She said, however, that trading with the United States was “not unusual or irregular” and stressed that Venezuela is “open to energy relations where all parties benefit.
Rodríguez, who previously served as Venezuela’s oil minister, emphasized that engaging with Washington does not mean giving up control over the country’s oil resources.
State-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) confirmed that negotiations with the U.S. are underway. The company said discussions are being conducted under commercial terms similar to existing arrangements with international firms such as Chevron and are based on principles of legality, transparency, and mutual benefit.
As discussions progress, both countries appear to be framing the potential deal as commercially advantageous, even as broader geopolitical tensions persist.
