Venezuela
The US plans to exchange heavy Venezuelan oil for American medium crude to replenish strategic reserves. Venezuelan oil will be transported to Louisiana, and companies will be provided with American medium sour crude.
Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, has called for a review of the country's economic model. She advocated for opening the oil industry to foreign investment and normalizing relations with the United States.
Oil prices began to fall. This happened after Washington's statements about its intention to refrain from military action against Iran.
The US has sold the first batch of Venezuelan oil for $500 million after the removal of Nicolas Maduro. The funds will be managed by the US President, and Caracas has been removed from decision-making regarding the exploitation of subsoil resources.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented Donald Trump with her 2025 Nobel Peace Medal. This gesture underscored gratitude for the American military operation to remove Nicolás Maduro.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with US President Donald Trump. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen her position in the struggle for leadership in Venezuela after the removal of Nicolás Maduro.
According to the US military, the tanker in question is the "Veronica. " They stated that the tanker's crew "acted in defiance of the quarantine established by President Trump for sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean."
Donald Trump reported on a conversation with interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. Cooperation in energy, mineral extraction, trade, and national security were discussed.
The UN Security Council asked Secretary-General Guterres to provide monthly reports on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. In response, Russia suggested the Council monitor the Caribbean, where the US is striking drug traffickers.
The U. S. Senate is preparing to vote on a resolution limiting President Trump's authority to take military action in Venezuela. Trump is pressuring Republicans who supported advancing the resolution.
A Russian oil tanker seized by the US in the Atlantic has arrived in UK territorial waters for resupply. The vessel was escorted by the US Coast Guard and renamed Marinera.
After the US seized tankers carrying Venezuelan oil, 26 vessels of the "shadow fleet" changed their registration to Russian. This provides them with political cover and increases geopolitical risks.
Donald Trump is once again showing interest in Greenland, calling it a "big real estate deal" and a matter of US strategic security. This has caused concern among Danish and European leaders, who see it as a threat to sovereignty and NATO's integrity.
US senators are proposing a bill that would prohibit the Pentagon and the State Department from using funds to occupy or annex NATO territories, including Greenland. This comes amid concerns over Donald Trump's interest in Greenland.
Oil prices fell after four days of gains as Venezuela resumed exports and US crude and product inventories rose. However, concerns about supply disruptions from Iran continue to impact the market.
SpaceX has canceled Starlink subscription fees in Iran due to mass protests and internet blocking. Terminal owners now use satellite communications for free.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose on Tuesday. This comes amid escalating protests in Iran and potential US intervention, outweighing prospects for increased oil supplies from Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump will meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado on January 15. This comes after Trump refused to support her following US military strikes on Caracas and Maduro's capture.
Republican Congressman Randy Fine introduced the "Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act. " He considers Greenland a vital national security asset, controlling Arctic shipping lanes.
Mexican President Sheinbaum rejected Donald Trump's proposal for US military intervention to combat cartels. She emphasized Mexico's sovereignty and the unacceptability of interference in internal affairs.
Two Chinese supertankers, en route to Venezuela to load oil, have changed course and are returning to Asia. This occurred amid the ongoing oil embargo imposed by the US against Venezuela.
The Venezuelan military was unable to set up the S-300 and Buk-M2 air defense systems received from Russia. This left the country's airspace vulnerable during a US military operation that ended with the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro.
Part of the shadow fleet has begun to massively change flags to Russian ones. The American military continues to seize tankers, despite attempts to circumvent the blockade.
Goldman Sachs forecasts a gradual decline in oil prices in 2026 due to rising supply. The bank expects prices to reach lows of $54/$50 per barrel for Brent/WTI in Q4.
US President Donald Trump said he could block ExxonMobil's investments in Venezuela after the company's CEO called the country "unsuitable for investment. " Trump noted that his administration would decide which companies would be allowed to operate in the country.
Global gold prices have surpassed the $4600 per ounce mark for the first time in history. This surge is driven by pressure on the US Federal Reserve and the escalating situation in the Middle East.
Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social where he called himself the "acting president of Venezuela. " The screenshot states that Trump allegedly "assumed this position" in January 2026.
Global oil prices are rising for the third consecutive day due to escalating protests in Iran and US actions regarding Venezuela. Brent crude reached $63.89 per barrel, and WTI reached $59.65.
Mass protests in Iran, which have been ongoing for two weeks, have led to the deaths of over 530 protesters and the arrest of over 10,000 people. These events could radically change global geopolitics and energy security, causing oil prices to rise.
Colombia is preparing a large-scale UAV countermeasure project after the US conducted a special operation in Venezuela and amid new threats from Trump.