U.S. Intensifies Pressure On Venezuela

Group 1 - Warner Bros. Discovery's board plans to reject Paramount Skydance's hostile takeover bid, while Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners has backed out of the deal [2] - The EU has reversed its post-2035 combustion-engine ban and is easing regulatory burdens on European automakers [3] - Oil futures have increased by more than 2% following President Trump's blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions [3][4] Group 2 - Approximately 30% of Venezuela's oil shipments are at risk due to U.S. sanctions, with tankers exporting nearly 590,000 barrels per day last month [5] - Chevron remains the only company exporting crude from Venezuela without delays, with its operations representing about one-third of Venezuela's total oil production [6] - Venezuela's oil customers are demanding deeper discounts and revised contracts due to rising costs associated with U.S. military actions in the Caribbean [5]