In a significant development reflecting a radical shift in relations between Washington and Caracas, US President Donald Trump announced that the Venezuelan interim government had agreed to deliver massive shipments of oil to the United States. Trump explained via his platform, Truth Social, that the new authorities in Venezuela would transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality oil, which had previously been subject to strict international sanctions.
In his remarks, Trump emphasized that these oil revenues would be under his direct control as President of the United States, noting that the primary objective was to sell the oil at market price and use the resulting funds to serve the interests of both the American and Venezuelan people. This announcement represents a strategic economic move that could contribute to reshaping the region's energy landscape, especially since US refineries in the Gulf of Mexico are specifically equipped to handle Venezuelan heavy crude.
Context of political and security transformation
This oil agreement comes in the wake of dramatic events in Venezuela, namely a US military operation that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to the United States. This change in the power structure has opened the door for the "interim government" to adopt policies completely different from its previous approach, paving the way for the return of Venezuelan oil to global markets under US supervision, which could directly affect the stability of global energy prices.
National mourning and the aftermath of the attack
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a week of national mourning to honor the victims of the US attack . In a moving televised address, Rodríguez said, "I have decided to declare seven days of mourning for the young men, women, and children who sacrificed their lives defending Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro."
Official reports from Cuba and Venezuela indicate that 55 members of their respective militaries were killed during the operation. Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab, however, spoke of dozens of casualties, stating that the numbers included both civilians and military personnel. While reports on the final death toll remain conflicting, independent sources suggest that the number of civilian fatalities ranges between 70 and 80, casting a shadow over the new political landscape and raising questions about the future of internal stability in light of the intensified US presence.
