US Vows Indefinite Control Over Venezuelan Oil Sales to Drive "Change"

• Top US officials state the need to control Venezuela's oil sales and revenue indefinitely to stabilize its economy, rebuild its oil sector, and ensure US interests.
• Energy Secretary Chris Wright and VP JD Vance emphasized this control as leverage to drive necessary changes in Venezuela, using revenues for economic stability and repaying companies like Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips.
• The strategy involves marketing stored Venezuelan oil first, then selling future production indefinitely, with revenues deposited into US-controlled accounts; sales have already begun.
• Democratic lawmakers criticized the approach as "stealing oil at gunpoint," while industry analysts warned of political instability.
• US President Donald Trump announced a deal for Venezuela to export crude to the US, using proceeds for American-made goods, and will meet with major US oil companies to boost production.

Why It Matters: The US plans indefinite control of Venezuelan oil sales and revenue to reshape its economy and serve US interests.