Laura Deegan was quoted on the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela's oil and gas sectors, following allegations of a fraudulent presidential election, which has sparked a resurgence in criminal investigations into sanctions violations. Further, recent positive communications between U.S. companies and the U.S. government regarding obtaining licenses to do business with Venezuela's oil industry have stalled. "There was more seemingly positive communication, but that has gone silent. I suspect this is because the U.S. is still trying to figure out whether it would impose additional restrictions [on Venezuela]," Deegan said. The developments follow the Treasury Department's announcement in April 2023 that it would bring back sanctions on Venezuelan oil and gas companies that were lifted in October 2023 under a deal that required President Nicolás Maduro to cooperate with his opposition to hold free and fair elections. The Biden administration reimposed the sanctions after accusing Maduro of scheming to manipulate the presidential election to remain in power.