For a long time. Anything that hinted of regime change or was regime change adjacent was verbiage that people at the State Department, diplomats, the Americans really didn't want to say, where is that ball moved. Well, I mean, your question at the very beginning of this, what's going on in Venezuela is still something we're all actually trying to figure out.I mean, the administration has moved very clearly. You had Kristi Noem today saying on FOX. Maduro has got to go.So they have been very explicit that th ...

Core Insights - Approximately 70% of the country's oil exports are dependent on a fleet of vessels that are currently under sanctions and are being targeted by the U.S. military [1] Industry Impact - The reliance on sanctioned vessels for oil exports poses significant risks to the country's oil export capabilities, potentially leading to disruptions in supply and revenue [1] - The targeting of these vessels by the U.S. military indicates an escalation in geopolitical tensions, which could further impact the oil market dynamics [1] Company Implications - Companies involved in the oil export sector may face increased operational challenges and regulatory scrutiny due to the sanctions on the vessels [1] - The situation may lead to a reevaluation of shipping strategies and partnerships within the industry to mitigate risks associated with sanctioned vessels [1]

Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is included among the 12 Best Dogs of the Dow to Invest in. Chevron (CVX) Highlighted in Mizuho’s 2026 Energy Outlook On December 12, Mizuho boosted its price target on Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) up to $206 from $204 and kept an Outperform rating. The update came as part of the firm’s broader 2026 outlook for the exploration and production space. While sentiment around U.S. oil and gas stocks remains weak, driven by worries over oil oversupply and elevated gas storage l ...

We have some breaking news, some new reports on the US preparing to seize more oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela. Aean Jabers is here with the details from the White House. Aean, >> Kelly, yeah, let me walk you through it.First of all, Caroline Levit, the White House press secretary, just told reporters in a briefing here at the White House a short time ago that the US does intend to seize the oil on the tanker that has already been secured. That tanker will be moved to a US port. She said uh that offi ...

Venezuela Situation - US Policy & Actions - The US administration has authorized covert CIA actions inside Venezuela and reopened back channel diplomatic negotiations with the Maduro regime [1] - Weeks ago, the president authorized the CIA to do covert actions inside Venezuela in theory, but without concrete plans [3] - Now, the president is approving the specific development of plans, which could include cyber, psychological operations, sabotage, or information operations [3][4] - The Trump administration is increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government [5] Diplomatic Negotiations & Oil - Venezuela proposed a 2 to 3-year transition period where Maduro would hold onto power, which the Trump administration rejected [6][7] - Discussions involved US companies potentially gaining access to Venezuelan oil [6] - Talks with Maduro are currently dead, with the US wanting to see Maduro gone immediately, but a deal around oil remains a possibility [7] US Objectives & Contradictions - The ultimate goal of the US administration's actions in Venezuela remains unclear [8][12] - The administration cites fentanyl as a concern, but evidence suggests fentanyl is not the primary issue in Venezuela [8][9][10][11] - The US military gave to Congress said there was cocaine and not fentanyl on those boats [10] - Some in the Trump administration, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, want Maduro gone, viewing him as an illegitimate leader [11][12] - President Trump frames Venezuela in the context of immigration and drugs, not necessarily regime change [12]

Core Viewpoint - Chevron's CEO Mike Wirth has warned about the potential exit of the company from Venezuela due to the expiration of a Biden-era license, which allows Chevron to operate in the country and export oil to the U.S. [1][5] Group 1: Chevron's Operations in Venezuela - Chevron is currently the only American company operating in Venezuela, exporting approximately 240,000 barrels per day, which constitutes over a quarter of the country's total oil output [10] - The company is under pressure from the Trump administration to cease drilling activities in Venezuela, with a mandate to wind down operations starting March 1 [1][4] - Wirth emphasized that halting operations would have significant implications for U.S. energy security, as Gulf Coast refineries are specifically designed to process Venezuelan oil [7] Group 2: Geopolitical Implications - Wirth expressed concerns about the growing influence of China in the Western Hemisphere, noting that if Chevron exits, it would create opportunities for Chinese and Russian companies to fill the void [7][9] - He highlighted that China is currently the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, and discussions have been ongoing to encourage further purchases from Venezuela [7] - The potential shift in oil trade dynamics could lead to increased Chinese control over Venezuelan resources, which Wirth argues is not in the best interest of the U.S. [9] Group 3: Political Context - The Trump administration's stance includes imposing a 25% tariff on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil, which adds to the complexities of U.S.-Venezuela relations [5] - Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado supports the Trump administration's strategy, asserting that the current regime is at its weakest point [9] - Machado also pointed out that Venezuela possesses the largest proven oil and gas reserves globally, suggesting that a democratic government could transform the country into an energy hub [10]

Core Viewpoint - Chevron Corporation has been ordered by the Trump administration to cease operations in Venezuela within 30 days, significantly impacting both U.S. and Venezuelan oil markets [1][2]. Group 1: Chevron's Operations and Impact - Chevron has been operating in Venezuela since 2022 under a U.S. sanctions exception, exporting crude oil and recovering billions in debt [2]. - The company’s joint ventures with PDVSA account for nearly 20% of Venezuela's oil output, which has stabilized the country's economy and controlled inflation [3]. - Chevron's operations have provided a steady revenue stream for Venezuela through royalties and taxes, benefiting its oil and banking sectors [6]. Group 2: Market Implications - The termination of Chevron's license will likely reduce Venezuela's oil revenues and could pressure U.S. gasoline prices, increasing risks for U.S. companies investing abroad [4]. - Chevron's Venezuelan oil exports decreased from 294,000 barrels per day in January to 252,000 barrels per day in February, indicating a downward trend that may affect global crude supply chains [5]. - The loss of Chevron's payments may weaken Venezuela's exchange market, leading to currency depreciation and further economic instability [7].