In a significant diplomatic development, Venezuela and the United States have initiated high-level talks aimed at restoring formal diplomatic ties. The discussions, held in Caracas on Saturday, come just days after US forces played a role in deposing the country's leftist leader, Nicolas Maduro.
Exploratory Talks Begin in the Capital
Venezuela's government, led by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, announced on Friday that it had launched discussions with US diplomats in the capital. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil stated that the government had decided to initiate an exploratory diplomatic process with the United States, with the goal of re-establishing diplomatic missions in both nations.
A US official, speaking on the customary condition of anonymity, confirmed that John McNamara—the top US diplomat in neighboring Colombia—and other personnel had traveled to Caracas. Their mission was to conduct an initial assessment for a potential phased resumption of consular operations. In a reciprocal move, Venezuela has stated it will send a delegation to Washington.
Trump's Oil Agenda and Corporate Caution
While diplomatic channels opened, US President Donald Trump met with top executives from major oil companies in Washington. He pressed them to invest in Venezuela's vast crude reserves, which are the largest proven in the world. Trump argued that under the new circumstances, foreign firms would have "total security," a stark contrast to the lack of protections during Maduro's rule.
However, the reception from the oil industry was marked by caution. ExxonMobil's chief executive, Darren Woods, reportedly dismissed Venezuela as "uninvestable" without comprehensive reforms. Despite this, Trump claimed that oil companies had promised investments totaling up to $100 billion. He stressed that any company exploiting Venezuelan oil would deal exclusively with Washington, not Caracas.
Post-Conflict Moves and Maritime Pressure
President Trump also revealed that he had called off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, partly due to the release of political prisoners. He had previously suggested military force remained an option. On the economic front, Trump announced a plan for the United States to sell between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, with the proceeds to be used at his discretion. He promised any funds sent to Caracas would be strictly used to purchase US-made products.
Meanwhile, Washington has maintained maritime pressure, seizing a fifth tanker carrying Venezuelan crude in the Caribbean. The seized oil, Trump confirmed, would be sold. In a sign of nascent cooperation, Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA confirmed one vessel was returning to its waters, calling it the "first successful joint operation" with the US.
Despite the talks, interim President Delcy Rodriguez condemned the US intervention as a "serious, criminal, illegal and illegitimate attack," vowing that Venezuela would continue to confront this aggression through diplomatic channels.
