US To ‘Selectively’ Roll Back Sanctions To Sell Venezuelan Crude, Announces Energy Deal | World News

The United States announced Wednesday that it would launch a major energy initiative with Venezuela, following last week’s military operations; The initiative rolls back certain sanctions to market Venezuelan crude oil globally while stabilizing the South American country’s energy sector.

The move, framed as a ‘historic agreement’ by the Trump administration, aims to protect America’s interests, restore Venezuela’s energy production and generate revenue for both countries.

In a Fact Sheet issued by the U.S. Department of Energy, the administration emphasized that all proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude and oil products will initially be deposited in U.S.-controlled accounts at globally recognized banks, ensuring transparency and appropriate distribution for the benefit of both American and Venezuelan citizens.

The deal is expected to begin with the sale of approximately 30 to 50 million barrels of oil, with further sales expected to continue indefinitely.

According to the memo, the United States will also supply diluent (light crude oil) to Venezuela to upgrade its very heavy crude oil and facilitate transportation and sales.

Additionally, certain oilfield equipment, parts, and services will be imported to compensate for decades of underinvestment and decline, modernize production, and support near-term growth in Venezuela’s oil sector.

“The only oil entering and exiting Venezuela will be through legitimate and authorized channels consistent with U.S. laws and national security. The United States is selectively withdrawing sanctions to ensure that Venezuelan crude and oil products are transported and sold to global markets,” the fact sheet said. The statement was included.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the initiative will focus on ongoing production as well as crude oil stored at onshore and offshore facilities.

“We are working in direct cooperation with the Venezuelans. We will market the crude oil coming out of Venezuela. As we make progress with the government, we will import parts, equipment and services to prevent the collapse of the industry, stabilize production and create conditions for major American companies to invest in the long term,” Wright said.

The energy deal follows the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3, 2026, and is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to restore “prosperity, safety and security” in the Western Hemisphere.

The announcement comes as geopolitical tensions escalate over Venezuela following a “large-scale strike” by the United States and the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Saturday.

Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas and sent out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement.

They were indicted and are currently on trial in the Southern District of New York for alleged “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced that interim authorities in Venezuela will transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the US, noting that the oil will be sold at market price and that the money will be controlled by Trump to ensure that it is used for the benefit of the Venezuelan and US people.