2026-09-048brief

[UPDATE] IMF weighs a permanent Caracas office and Energy Secretary Chris Wright flew to Venezuela to sell the oil deal

Trump on Venezuelan elections: "They're not ready yet."

The IMF is weighing a permanent Caracas office, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright flew to Venezuela to promote the 17-field oil concession, which holds about a fifth of the country's reserves. Trump says elections there are not close, and businessman Alejandro Betancourt's ties to the deal draw criticism.

On Sep. 2 the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital took a 35% passive stake in North American Blue Energy Partners, the company holding 100-year rights to 17 Venezuelan oil fields.

  • US passive equity stake in North American Blue Energy Partners: 35%
  • Concession covers 17 fields, about one-fifth of Venezuela's total oil reserves