What's happened
On January 9-10, 2026, Venezuela and the US initiated exploratory diplomatic talks to potentially reopen embassies after the US-led capture of President Nicolás Maduro. US diplomats visited Caracas, while President Trump met oil executives to discuss accessing Venezuela's oil reserves. Venezuela began releasing political prisoners, signaling a tentative thaw in relations.
What's behind the headline?
Rapid Diplomatic Shift Amidst Conflict
The sudden move to re-establish diplomatic ties between the US and Venezuela marks a dramatic pivot following the US military's capture of Nicolás Maduro. This shift is driven by strategic interests, notably Venezuela's vast oil reserves, which President Trump is eager to access through US companies. However, the relationship remains fraught with contradictions: while Trump claims to be "in charge" and promises security for investors, Venezuelan officials condemn the US actions as illegal aggression.
Strategic Calculations and Power Dynamics
The US is leveraging diplomatic engagement to consolidate control over Venezuela's resources without direct governance, insisting companies deal only with Washington. Venezuela's reciprocal delegation to Washington and prisoner releases suggest a pragmatic approach by interim President Rodríguez to mitigate conflict and gain international legitimacy.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these overtures, skepticism remains high. ExxonMobil's CEO labeled Venezuela "uninvestable" without reforms, highlighting the fragile state of its oil infrastructure. The political landscape is unstable, with Maduro detained in the US and opposition figures demanding recognition. The ongoing maritime pressure on Venezuelan oil shipments underscores continued US enforcement of sanctions.
Forecast
This diplomatic opening will likely proceed cautiously, with phased embassy reopenings and conditional cooperation. The US aims to secure energy interests while managing regional stability. Venezuela's government will balance cooperation with nationalist rhetoric to maintain domestic support. The situation remains volatile, with potential for renewed tensions if reforms or political agreements falter.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel provides a detailed account of the diplomatic talks, quoting Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on the "exploratory diplomatic process" and highlighting the US envoy John McNamara's visit to Caracas. It also reports on President Trump's meeting with oil executives and his claim that companies promised $100 billion in investments, though ExxonMobil's CEO expressed caution.
The New York Times, through Annie Correal, emphasizes the rapid and contradictory nature of the evolving US-Venezuela relationship, noting Trump's claim of getting along "extremely well" with a government that largely remains the same despite Maduro's capture.
Al Jazeera outlines the historical context of the diplomatic breakdown since Hugo Chávez's presidency and the 2019 recognition of Juan Guaidó by the US. It also covers the US military operation that detained Maduro and the subsequent prisoner releases, which Trump cited as a sign of "seeking peace."
The Japan Times and The New Arab echo these developments, focusing on the diplomatic visits and Trump's push to access Venezuela's oil reserves, while also noting Venezuela's condemnation of US actions as "criminal" and "illegitimate."
Together, these sources illustrate a complex and rapidly evolving situation where diplomatic engagement is intertwined with strategic resource interests and ongoing political tensions.
How we got here
US-Venezuela relations deteriorated after Hugo Chávez's rise in 1999, culminating in a full diplomatic break in 2019 when the US recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president. The recent US military operation captured Maduro, leading to interim President Delcy Rodríguez assuming power and prompting initial diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Go deeper
- What led to the US capturing Nicolás Maduro?
- How will reopening embassies affect US-Venezuela relations?
- What are the prospects for US oil companies investing in Venezuela?
Common question
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Why Are the US and Venezuela Talking Now?
Recent developments suggest the US and Venezuela are exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations after years of tension. This shift raises many questions about what’s driving these talks, what they could mean for both countries, and whether this signals a real change or just a temporary pause. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this evolving situation.
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Are US-Venezuela Talks a Sign of Warming Relations?
Recent diplomatic talks between the US and Venezuela have sparked curiosity about whether this signals a real shift in their relationship. With ongoing negotiations, embassy assessments, and political developments, many are wondering what these talks mean for the future. Could this be the start of better ties or just a temporary thaw? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this evolving situation.
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Why Is the US Considering Diplomatic Talks with Venezuela Now?
Recent developments suggest the US is exploring a potential shift in its approach to Venezuela. After years of sanctions and hostility, diplomatic talks are now on the table, raising questions about what’s driving this change. Why are both countries interested in re-engaging? What could this mean for regional stability and US foreign policy? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this evolving situation.
More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez (born 18 May 1969) is a Venezuelan lawyer, diplomat, and politician who has served as Vice President of Venezuela since 2018 and as acting president after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026. Rodríguez has
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.