US-Venezuela Oil Deal and Leadership Change

US President Donald Trump announced a new oil deal with Venezuela, stating that Venezuela will use the proceeds from selling 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States to purchase only American-made products. This development follows a US operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are now facing trial in the Southern District of New York for drug trafficking. Following their capture, Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim President of Venezuela, with the White House asserting significant influence over her administration's decisions. Donald Trump claims personal control over the oil revenues, potentially exceeding $2 billion, to ensure benefits for both the United States and Venezuela. The purchases by Venezuela are expected to include American agricultural products, medicines, medical devices, and equipment for improving Venezuela's electric grid and energy facilities. The United States is also enforcing a blockade to prevent unauthorized Venezuelan oil exports, as evidenced by the seizure of a tanker. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil condemned the US actions as military aggression and declared a state of emergency.