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
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
International
Jair Bolsonaro sentenced for leading armed criminal plot after 2022 election loss
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, 70, has been sentenced for leading an armed criminal organization that attempted to cling to power after losing the 2022 elections to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The alleged coup plot, which reportedly included a plan to assassinate Lula, was not carried out due to lack of support from the military leadership.
By a four-to-one vote of the judges overseeing the case, seven co-defendants, including former ministers and military chiefs, were also convicted.
“A criminal armed organization was formed by the defendants, who must be sentenced based on the factual circumstances I consider proven,” said the final judge to cast a vote, Cristiano Zanin.
Bolsonaro, who has been under house arrest since August, did not attend the court hearings, citing health issues.
Reacting on X, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former president’s son, said: “They call this a trial a process whose outcome everyone already knew before it began.”
One of the first international reactions came from the White House. Former U.S. President Donald Trump called the sentence “very surprising,” while Senator Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, stated that the United States will “respond accordingly” to the “unjust” ruling.
International
Poland invokes NATO Article 4 after russian drone incursion
The violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones on Wednesday triggered the most serious clash between Russia and NATO since the start of the war in Ukraine, prompting Poland to invoke Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, which calls for consultations among allies.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed Parliament on Wednesday, describing an unprecedented “aggression” in which at least 19 Russian drones breached Polish airspace, creating a situation that the Prime Minister described as “the closest to an open conflict since World War II.”
Speaking at the start of an extraordinary Council of Ministers session, Tusk stated that “this is the first time Russian drones have been shot down over the territory of a NATO member state, and that is why all our allies are taking the situation very seriously.”
Although he affirmed that “there is no reason to claim that we are in a state of war,” he labeled the incidents as “a large-scale provocation” and ordered the invocation of NATO’s Article 4 to call for consultations with allied nations.
Tusk also noted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had received “not only expressions of solidarity with Poland but, above all, concrete proposals to support the country’s air defense” during discussions with European leaders throughout the day.
The Polish leader specifically mentioned conversations with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands—Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni, Friedrich Merz, and Dick Schoof—along with French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
Jair Bolsonaro sentenced for leading armed criminal plot after 2022 election loss
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