News Wrap: U.S. eases sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil company

PBS NewsHour
March 18, 2026
2 min read

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The Bottom Line

Trump administration eases sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil company to moderate rising oil prices from the Iran war.

How This Affects You

Easing Venezuela oil sanctions could increase global crude supply and moderate gas prices at the pump for American consumers.

AI Summary

The Trump administration is easing sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil company as it seeks to moderate rising oil prices fueled by the Iran war. The move reflects administration efforts to increase global oil supply and cool energy costs at the pump. The Federal Reserve, meanwhile, signaled restraint on interest rates, leaving them unchanged at its latest meeting and projecting just one rate cut for the full year. Pakistan and Afghanistan separately announced a temporary pause in cross-border military operations, marking a rare diplomatic reprieve in their longstanding conflict.

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