Venezuela

Trump threatens tariffs on any nation supplying Cuba with oil

US President Donald Trump announces potential tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba, ramping up pressure on the island’s leadership.

|ByREUTERS
An illustration of the flags of Cuba and the US, with a rift in between.
An illustration of oil rigs over a background of a Venezuelan flag.

Trump eases Venezuela oil sanctions to boost US investment

The Trump administration eases some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, allowing US companies to invest, but excludes firms from China, Russia, and other rivals.

|ByREUTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump walks during the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026.

Does Trump want a nuke, ballistic missile deal with Iran or regime change? - analysis

Trump was so excited after he succeeded at regime change in Venezuela that he figured, why not do the same in Iran? His issue, however, is that he caught Venezuela Syndrome.

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
The Guinea-flagged oil tanker MT Bandra, which is under sanctions, is partially seen alongside another vessel at El Palito terminal, near Puerto Cabello, Venezuela December 29, 2025; illustrative.

US handing over seized tanker to Venezuela, officials say

The US hands back the Panama‑flagged M/T Sophia to Venezuela, marking the first reversal of such a seizure under the Trump administration.

|ByREUTERS

US threatens Iran's Ayatollah, Hamas operatives killed by Palestinian militia - January 7, 2026

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

JANUARY 7, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
The vessel tanker formerly known as Bella 1, now the Marinera, at Singapore Strait, after US officials say the US Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, in this picture taken from social media on March 18, 2025.

US, with help of UK, seizes Venezuela-linked oil tanker sailing under Russian flag

The tanker, previously known as the Bella-1, was originally bound for Venezuela before it turned around last month after encountering the US Coast Guard.

JANUARY 7, 2026ByREUTERS, GOLDIE KATZ
The vessel tanker formerly known as Bella 1, now the Marinera, at Singapore Strait, after US officials say the US Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, in this picture taken from social media on March 18, 2025.

The day the excuses ran out - opinion

Venezuelans rejoiced at Maduro’s removal, seeing the end of a criminal regime, while critics far from the country condemned the action by the US.

JANUARY 7, 2026ByADAM SCOTT BELLOS
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima after his capture by US forces. January 3, 2026.

US to import up to $2 billion in Venezuelan crude oil under new export deal

The US and Venezuela reached a deal to export up to $2 billion in crude to the US, with President Donald Trump saying the move would divert oil from China and ease pressure on Venezuelan production.

JANUARY 7, 2026ByREUTERS
Oilfield workers hold a flag with the corporate logo of Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA on a drilling rig at an oil well operated by them in the Orinoco belt, near Cabrutica, Anzoategui, April 16, 2015.

Russia welcomes Venezuela's interim president, says Venezuela should determine own destiny

Moscow's foreign ministry said in a statement that it welcomed the Venezuelan authorities' efforts to protect their sovereignty and national interests.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByREUTERS
Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez presents the government's 2026 budget proposal to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to approve spending of some $19.9 billion, in Caracas, Venezuela December 4, 2025.

Machado says she is heading back to Venezuela as Trump moves to shape post-Maduro transition

Trump appears to hope to work with interim President Delcy Rodriguez and other senior officials from Maduro's government, disappointing the opposition and contributing to the country's nervousness.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByREUTERS
NOBEL PEACE Prize laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado speaks during a press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, a day after the award ceremony, in Oslo, Norway December 11, 2025.

Global power struggle: Why Maduro's fall is a 'red line' warning for China, Iran

Pressure applied in Latin America, the Middle East, and East Asia reflects a coordinated effort to influence rivals without full-scale escalation.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByGIORGIA VALENTE/THE MEDIA LINE
A burning US flag is pictured during a protest against the US intervention in Venezuela, in Buenos Aires on January 5, 2026.

Are you ready to stand up with Iranian protesters? - opinion

How can the Iranian citizens’ noble fight against a repressive, homophobic, sexist, anti-American theocracy be met with yawns, while democratic Israel’s heroic acts of self-defense trigger worldwide?

JANUARY 6, 2026ByGIL TROY
Iranian security forces detain protesters in Mashhad, Iran, January 3, 2026; illustrative.

It’s really about oil, not drugs: Why Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' is attacking Venezuela - opinion

This is a president who considers global warming a hoax, solar panels “ugly as hell,” wind turbines as visual blights and killers of birds and whales.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByDOUGLAS BLOOMFIELD
Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026.

Trump's internal shifts in the US: How peace through strength restored global stability - opinion

Peace through strength is not outdated doctrine. It is the only doctrine that has ever stabilized a dangerous world.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByDUVI HONIG
US President Donald Trump with US officials in the war room as the US conducts an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026.