China has denounced as a “typical bullying” act Washington's demand that Venezuela form an “exclusive partnership” in the oil sector with the United States.

Major American energy firms show little appetite for returning to Venezuela, CNN reports, exposing what critics describe as the hollowness of President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and his openly stated ambition to control Venezuela’s oil.

The Venezuelan ambassador to Iran expresses the readiness of his fellow citizens to defend their homeland, saying his country will never compromise on its independence and sovereignty.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warns the US cannot turn the country into a colony and steal its natural resources.

Here are Press TV's latest top stories at 16:00 GMT on December 23,2025.

The Venezuelan people and government reject the latest statements of the president of the United States.

Oil prices rise slightly after US President Donald Trump’s move to tighten restrictions on Venezuela.