A U.S. delegation visited Caracas last Friday to evaluate the reopening of the US Embassy, which had been closed since 2019. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodrigues, confirmed it is seeking to re-establish missions in both countries.
Trump announced a “historic” energy agreement on January 6 to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. The US has begun “selectively rolling back” sanctions to allow the sale of Venezuelan crude to global markets. On January 9, President Trump signed an executive order protecting Venezuelan oil revenue in US accounts from seizure by creditors, designating the funds for the “peace and stability” of Venezuela. Despite the talks, the US maintains a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela. Including reports of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and targeting individuals suspected of supporting the US intervention.
Energy and Economic Shifts
A central component of the shifting relationship is a “historic’ energy deal announced by President Trump on January 6. The agreement aims to modernize Venezuela’s crumbling oil infrastructure and reintegrate the nation into the global market.
The US Treasury is selectively easing sanctions to allow the transport of 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude to the US. US companies are being authorized to export oil field equipment and services to Venezuela to boost production. Proceeds from oil sales are reportedly being funneled into U.S.-controlled accounts to ensure the legitimacy of the funds.
Domestic and International Friction
The military intervention has drawn a sharp divide on the world stage. While many NATO member states and European nations expressed support for the move as a step toward restoring democracy, others, including China and several Latin American nations, condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and national sovereignty.
Domestically, the US administration faces pressure from Congress and the public. Recent polling indicates that while ⅔ of Republicans support the intervention, most Americans remain concerned about prolonged military involvement. Furthermore, some political analysts have questioned the decision to work with interim authorities rather than an immediate transition to opposition leaders like Maria Cornia Machado.
Current Staus
The United States and Venezuela have opened preliminary diplomatic talks following a U.S. military operation that removed Nicolas Maduro from power earlier this month. The discussions aim to restore formal ties after years of hostility. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces apprehended Maduro and his wife in Caracas as part of “Operation Absolute Resolve.” Maduro is currently in New York facing federal narco-terrorism charges.
As of today, all foundational sanctions on the Venezuelan government remain in place until the US sees further “changes that further the national interest,” according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These include requirements for Venezuela to end ties with foreign adversaries and halt alleged drug trafficking operations.
For now, the US Embassy in Bogota continues to handle matters related to Venezuela, while American citizens remaining in the country have been urged to depart immediately via resuming commercial flights.
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