Oil and US oversight: How is Venezuela’s interim government surviving?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by Elizabeth MelimopoulosFebruary 6, 2026 at 09:25 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Following the US military abduction of President Maduro in January 2026, Venezuela's interim government, led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, is navigating a complex political and economic situation. The government is surviving through a US-brokered oil deal, where Venezuela sends crude oil to the US and receives funds deposited in a Qatari account, subject to US approval, for essential services. Rodriguez has proposed reforms to the hydrocarbons law to attract foreign investment and signaled cooperation with Washington. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright plans to visit Venezuela to assess oil and gas operations, indicating US oversight of Venezuela's oil sector. Domestically, Rodriguez has announced an amnesty bill and plans to repurpose a prison, but critics question if these measures address Venezuela's underlying issues.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Cilia Flores 30% Chris Wright 40% Ministry of Defence 40% Supreme Tribunal of Justice 40% Qatar 50% Operation Absolute Resolve 60% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×270% Delcy Rodriguez ×470% United States ×780% Venezuela ×890%

Keywords

venezuela 100% us oversight 90% oil sector 80% political changes 70% foreign investment 60% nicolas maduro 50% us military action 50% economic landscape 50% hydrocarbons law 40%