What's happened
Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodriguez is set to visit the US, marking the first such trip by a sitting Venezuelan leader in over 25 years. The move signals a shift in US-Venezuela relations amid ongoing tensions and US sanctions, with Rodriguez emphasizing dialogue without fear.
What's behind the headline?
The upcoming US visit by Rodriguez marks a significant departure from decades of Venezuelan hostility towards Washington. Her statement about approaching dialogue 'without fear' indicates a strategic shift aimed at reopening diplomatic channels, likely driven by US interest in Venezuelan oil and regional stability. However, internal divisions within Venezuela's government, notably opposition from hardliners like Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino Lopez, threaten Rodriguez's diplomatic efforts. The US's willingness to engage with her, despite ongoing sanctions, suggests a pragmatic approach focused on economic interests rather than regime change. This move could lead to a gradual thaw in relations, but deep-seated mistrust and geopolitical rivalries will complicate full normalization. The US's support for opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado, and the continued detention of political prisoners, highlight the fragile nature of this diplomatic opening. Overall, this development signals a potential shift towards engagement, but the path remains uncertain and fraught with internal and external challenges.
What the papers say
Arab News reports that Rodriguez's visit would be historic, emphasizing the shift in US-Venezuela relations since Maduro's removal and the US's focus on oil interests. France 24 highlights Rodriguez's diplomatic tone and her discussions with Trump on multiple issues, including oil and security, portraying her as a pragmatic leader seeking dialogue. The New Arab underscores Rodriguez's bold stance against US power, her efforts to balance relations with Washington and Maduro loyalists, and her recent telephone call with Trump, which was described as 'productive and courteous.' All sources agree that this visit could reshape regional dynamics, but internal opposition within Venezuela remains a significant obstacle. The articles collectively suggest that while the US is open to engagement, the internal political landscape and longstanding mistrust will influence the outcome.
How we got here
Relations between the US and Venezuela have been strained since the US seized President Nicolas Maduro in a covert operation in early January 2026. Rodriguez, a former vice president and long-time insider, has taken a more diplomatic approach, allowing US-brokered oil sales and prisoner releases. Historically, Venezuela has maintained close ties with US adversaries like China, Cuba, Iran, and Russia, and has rejected US influence for decades. The recent shift follows Maduro's removal and the US's interest in Venezuela's vast oil reserves, with the US seeking to stabilize the country through diplomatic engagement rather than regime change.
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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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