International
Chevron cleared to pump oil in Venezuela again, but Maduro won’t see the profits
The U.S. government restored Chevron’s operations in Venezuela on Thursday, though under certain restrictions. The move marks a significant shift from the hardline pressure strategy adopted earlier this year by President Donald Trump’s administration against Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
The decision comes just days after both governments negotiated a prisoner and detainee swap: Caracas released 10 U.S. citizens, while Washington authorized the return of 252 deported migrants detained in El Salvador.
Although full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, U.S. officials confirmed that Maduro’s administration will not financially benefit from the oil sales. The key condition of the deal ensures that no royalties or taxes will flow to the socialist leader’s government.
The announcement had an immediate impact on the market. Oil futures pared earlier gains after news broke, reflecting concerns that increased supply could pressure prices in an already fragile market. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s defaulted sovereign bonds extended recent gains, boosted by optimism surrounding Washington’s softer stance.
The new license allows the Houston-based energy giant to resume production in Venezuela, following a previous order in May to scale down operations. This could help inject much-needed U.S. dollars into Venezuela’s struggling economy.
Supporters of Chevron’s return argued that without U.S. involvement, Venezuelan oil would largely benefit China. Oil prices and American leadership in energy production also weighed heavily on Trump’s decision. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a long-time opponent of commercial engagement with Caracas, could still attempt to block or limit the scope of the new authorization.
It is still unclear whether similar concessions will be granted to Italian oil major Eni or Spain’s Repsol, which have requested U.S. approval to swap fuel for Venezuelan crude.
“Chevron conducts its business globally in compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing its operations, as well as U.S. sanctions frameworks, including in Venezuela,” said Chevron spokesperson Bill Turenne in a statement.
The U.S. had previously revoked Chevron’s license earlier this year as part of Trump’s pressure campaign on Maduro. Now, the reinstatement could mark a critical turning point—reintroducing a vital American oil presence in Venezuela and delivering much-needed cash flow to an economy in deep decline.
Chevron remains the only major U.S. oil company still operating in Venezuela, underscoring its strategic importance for both nations.
International
Trump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubiocould potentially form a Republican presidential ticket for the 2028 elections.
Speaking during a dinner with law enforcement officials as part of National Police Week, Trump publicly praised both officials and said they could make “an ideal team” for the next presidential race.
“Who likes JD Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio?” Trump asked attendees before adding that the pair “sound like a good combination.”
The president highlighted his vice president’s performance in office, stating that their current partnership has been highly effective. “JD is perfect, that has been a perfect formula,” Trump told reporters later.
He further suggested that a Vance-Rubio pairing could represent a strong presidential and vice-presidential ticket, although he stopped short of offering any formal endorsement.
“I think it sounds like a presidential candidate and a vice-presidential candidate,” he said, while clarifying that his remarks should not be interpreted as an official backing of any future campaign.
So far, neither Vance nor Rubio has publicly confirmed any intention to run in the 2028 presidential election.
Rubio previously sought the Republican nomination in 2016 but withdrew after losing the primary race to Trump. Later, in a December 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, he said he would be among the first to support Vance if he decided to run for the White House.
Vance, meanwhile, has recently dismissed speculation of any political rivalry with Rubio amid growing discussion about potential future GOP leadership.
International
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Victory Day Truce
Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday of violating a Victory Day truce that was reportedly agreed with mediation from the United States, claiming that Ukrainian forces carried out attacks on Russian territory as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Despite the declared ceasefire, the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that Ukrainian forces attacked Russian military positions using attack drones and artillery.
According to the ministry, Ukrainian forces made twelve attempts to advance toward Russian-held positions across several sectors of the front line.
It also alleged that Ukrainian strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in Crimea, several border regions, the Caucasus, and other areas including Moscow and Perm in the Ural region.
The Defense Ministry estimated around 8,900 violations of the ceasefire in total, including more than 7,000 drone attacks and over 1,000 strikes involving tanks, artillery, multiple rocket launch systems, and mortars since the truce came into effect at midnight.
Russia said its forces responded “symmetrically” to what it described as violations by Ukrainian troops.
Earlier, the Kremlin denied claims that Ukraine attempted to sabotage a military parade in Red Square marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
“No attempts were made. Everything went well,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told local media.
International
Trump Says U.S.-Iran Talks Progressing, Signals Possible Deal on Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Washington is holding “very good” talks with Iran and stated that there is a strong possibility of reaching an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“We’ve had very good conversations over the last 44 hours, and it’s very possible that we’ll reach an agreement,” Trump said during an event held in the Oval Office at the White House.
The president’s remarks came just hours after he announced a temporary suspension of the military operation aimed at escorting vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf due to Iran’s blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump explained that the pause in operations is intended to facilitate diplomatic negotiations between both sides and prevent further military escalation in the region.
“We’re in good shape, and right now things are going well. Now we have to achieve what we need to achieve. If we don’t, we’ll have to go much further,” the Republican president warned.
In a post published on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump reiterated that if Iran accepts Washington’s proposed conditions, military operations and the naval blockade affecting the Islamic republic would come to an end.
However, he also issued a new warning to the Iranian government, stating that the United States would respond with attacks “of greater intensity” if Tehran rejects the agreement promoted by the White House.
Panama confirms drug contamination of El Salvador coffee shipment occurred on its territory
Trump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Victory Day Truce
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
