Energy Dept. draws fire for slow pace of Venezuelan oil deals

Despite President Trump's optimistic forecast of a rapid revival of Venezuela's oil industry by U.S. companies, eight months have passed without any new deals being finalized. Blame is being placed on the U.S. Department of Energy for its sluggish pace in facilitating these negotiations. As global oil prices surge due to supply constraints from the Iran conflict, the lack of progress underscores a critical missed opportunity for the U.S. to bolster its energy security and influence in a strategically important region. This delay could have broader implications for U.S. economic and geopolitical interests.