World News

United States and Venezuela reach deal over 65 billion barrels of oil reserves

The pact grants a private operator century-long concessions while Venezuelan leadership insists national sovereignty remains intact.

Updated Sep 5, 2026 · 12:14 UTC4 reports

The short version

President Donald Trump announced a bilateral deal granting the United States control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan crude reserves.[Deutsche Welle]
Private firm North American Blue Energy Partners received century-long concessions across 17 oilfields and granted the Pentagon an equity stake.[CNBC]
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez defended the agreement, maintaining that Venezuela retains full sovereign ownership over its resources.[The Guardian]

President Donald Trump announced an agreement between the United States and Venezuela to control 65 billion barrels of oil reserves.[Deutsche Welle · NPR]
North American Blue Energy Partners received 100-year concessions to 17 Venezuelan oilfields and gave the Pentagon a 35% equity stake.[CNBC]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the pact would bring $100 billion in private investment into Venezuela.[Deutsche Welle]
Venezuela holds an estimated 303 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves, representing approximately 17% of the global total.[The Guardian · NPR]

Legal, political, and statutory questions remain regarding the U.S. government taking a direct equity stake in a foreign-operating oil company.[CNBC]
Whether Venezuela retains true resource sovereignty remains disputed between interim leadership claims and domestic political opponents.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.