Donald Trump poised to strike ‘massive’ deal for Venezuelan oil fields

Trump Eyes Venezuela Visit But Oil Plan Faces Major Hurdles

A list of 17 fields in negotiation seen by Reuters includes green fields in the vast Orinoco Belt combined with mature areas in Lake Maracaibo, some of which are currently operated by a small Chinese firm whose contract was signed during Maduro's administration.

Reports that the US is preparing to claim a big stake in Venezuela’s massive energy reserves have sparked an outcry, with critics describing the move as “predatory” and “unconstitutional”.

Venezuela sits on vast oil reserves.