Sanctions Relief for Venezuela Oil: ONGC says a new OFAC licence lets it resume full operations in Venezuela, with room to expand output, negotiate new deals, and potentially take operatorship from PDVSA. Political Prisoner Releases: Venezuela released 131 political detainees after U.S.-backed government-opposition talks, a major step for families and monitors as dialogue continues. CITGO Fallout Fight: Opposition leader Dinorah Figuera accused Chávez and Maduro-era decisions of driving CITGO’s crisis, reigniting disputes over who is responsible for the asset’s legal and financial troubles. Venezuela Growth Watch: The government reports 21 straight quarters of economic growth, while UNDP projects about 6.5% GDP expansion in 2026 despite June earthquake damage. Energy Deals & U.S. Interest: BP’s offshore gas push and rising U.S.-bound Venezuelan crude shipments are drawing renewed industry attention ahead of a Houston summit on Venezuela’s “reopening.” Gold Return Demand: Venezuela renewed calls to recover about $4bn in gold from the Bank of England, tying the issue to reconstruction needs after earthquakes. Humanitarian Fundraising: Cisneros announced Teleton Venevision 2026 “United for Venezuela” for earthquake recovery, partnering with United Way Venezuela and DVC.