US–Venezuela Oil Deal: Interim President Delcy Rodríguez says the new energy agreement with the United States will run 25 years, develop 17 strategic oilfields, and target 1.5M bpd, while insisting Venezuela keeps “ownership and sovereignty” over its resources; she also claims state revenues could reach about $209B (roughly $19 per barrel at a $65 benchmark), with minimum royalties of 16% and profit tax of 34% for eight Orinoco greenfield blocks. Deal Structure Questions: Trump’s “biggest oil deal in world history” remains light on public details, with reports that the US could take a 55% effective output share via a new venture and potentially a passive 35% stake in a private operator, raising concerns about transparency and who will actually control investment and timelines. Local Industry & Jobs Angle: Rodríguez frames the pact as a way to revive Venezuela’s hydrocarbon industry after sanctions, attract capital and technology, and translate oil wealth into jobs, wages, and public services. Housing Reconstruction Push: Separate coverage highlights government delivery and inspection of earthquake-recovery housing in La Guaira, including 210 renovated homes and ongoing anti-seismic upgrades under the Venezuela Renace plan.