The United States granted oil exploration rights in Venezuela for a period of 100 years to private companies, in an agreement that generated international controversy.
The US Department of Defense will take 35% of the parent company responsible for the Venezuelan oil operation, which raised questions about the military interests behind the agreement.
Venezuela, which has one of the largest oil reserves in the world, has been targeted by US sanctions for years, and critics point out that the agreement represents a form of control over the natural resources of the South American country.
The Venezuelan government has not yet officially commented on the specific terms of the agreement, which is expected to face opposition both internally in Venezuela and in other countries in the region.
