What's happened
As of January 10, 2026, Venezuela and the US have initiated exploratory diplomatic talks to reopen embassies after the US-led capture of President Nicolás Maduro. US diplomats visited Caracas to assess embassy operations, while President Trump met oil executives to discuss accessing Venezuela's oil reserves. Venezuela plans to send a delegation to Washington, signaling a tentative thaw in relations.
What's behind the headline?
Diplomatic Shift Amidst Turmoil
The sudden move toward re-establishing diplomatic ties between the US and Venezuela marks a significant pivot following a violent US military operation that ousted Nicolás Maduro. This shift is driven by strategic interests, particularly access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves, which the US aims to exploit under new security assurances.
Contradictions and Realpolitik
Despite President Trump's claim of being "in charge" of Venezuela and his assertion that foreign companies will deal only with Washington, the Venezuelan government under Rodríguez condemns US actions as "criminal" yet pursues diplomacy. This duality reflects a pragmatic approach by both sides to stabilize relations while maintaining political posturing.
Economic Stakes and Challenges
Trump's push for $100 billion in oil investments faces skepticism from industry leaders like ExxonMobil, citing Venezuela as "uninvestable" without reforms. The country's oil infrastructure is degraded, and sanctions remain a hurdle, indicating that economic normalization will be complex and protracted.
Humanitarian and Political Implications
The release of some political prisoners, credited to US pressure, signals a tentative goodwill gesture but remains limited. Meanwhile, protests in Caracas demand Maduro's release, underscoring ongoing domestic unrest. The US plans to engage opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado, highlighting continued political contestation.
Forecast
This exploratory diplomatic process will likely proceed cautiously, balancing US strategic interests with Venezuela's sovereignty claims. The reopening of embassies could pave the way for incremental normalization, but deep political divisions and infrastructure challenges will slow progress. The situation remains fluid, with potential for both cooperation and renewed tensions.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel provides the most detailed account, highlighting the US diplomats' visit to Caracas and President Trump's meetings with oil executives, including ExxonMobil's cautious stance. It quotes Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on the "exploratory diplomatic process" and notes Venezuela's reciprocal delegation to Washington. The New Arab and The Japan Times echo these developments, emphasizing the cooperation signs post-Maduro's capture and Trump's claim of control over Venezuela. The New York Times, through Annie Correal, underscores the rapid and contradictory nature of the evolving US-Venezuela relationship, noting Trump's claim of good relations despite the recent military operation. Al Jazeera contextualizes the diplomatic thaw within the history of deteriorated relations since Hugo Chávez's presidency and the 2019 break, while also reporting on Maduro's detention and the US's maritime pressure on Venezuelan oil tankers. AP News and The Independent confirm the US diplomatic team's preliminary assessment in Caracas and Venezuela's intent to send a delegation to Washington. Reuters summarizes the official statements from both governments and Trump's cancellation of a second wave of attacks, framing the diplomatic talks as a response to recent military and political events. Together, these sources illustrate a complex, rapidly evolving situation with competing narratives of cooperation and confrontation.
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. 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 military operation capturing Maduro?
- How will reopening embassies affect US-Venezuela relations?
- What are the challenges 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.
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Why Are the US and Venezuela Starting Diplomatic Talks Now?
Recent developments suggest a potential shift in US-Venezuela relations, with both countries engaging in exploratory diplomatic talks after years of tension. This raises questions about what prompted this change, what it could mean for both nations, and how it might impact global energy markets. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this diplomatic thaw and what it could mean for the future.
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 the acting president of Venezuela since 3 January 2026, after the United States captured and de facto removed President Nicolás Maduro f
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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.