Nigeria and Kazakhstan might not be tourist destinations, but the fact is that both are stable kleptocracies. No foreign assets have ever been expropriated in either. Oil companies have flourished in both for decades without threat.
As to “leverage”: leverage with whom? Short of Marines being sent to rebuild facilities of the US taxpayer’s nickel, I doubt any serious investment will take place. Exxon was just more outspoken than the others.
https://cdn.statcdn.com/Infographic/images/normal/16830.jpeg
Not Exxon but others in Syria: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/us-firms-develop-syria-energy-masterplan-after-trump-lifts-sanctions-2025-07-18/
Venezuela is a gold mine.
Easily accessed oil.
Some of the largest proven oil reserves on the planet.
Albeit lower quality: heavy and sour
Exxon and others are in places like Libya!!!
Exxon probably wants something. This is about making deals, and Exxon if I had to guess wants the US government to give them assurances that they will step in if their investments are threatened. Hard to tell what is talked about in these deals, but it’s for sure NOT because Venezuela is such a basket case. We’re in places far more dangerous and unstable pumping oil.
