Venezuela initiates talks with U.S. following Maduro’s capture

WEB DESK: Venezuela announced on Friday that it had begun discussions with the United States to restore diplomatic relations, following the recent U.S. operation that removed Nicolas Maduro from power. The move comes amid signs of tentative cooperation, even as Caracas condemned the U.S. raid that captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said the interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez had “decided to initiate an exploratory diplomatic process with the United States, aimed at re-establishing diplomatic missions in both countries.” U.S. diplomats, including John McNamara, were reported to be in Caracas to assess the potential phased resumption of embassy operations. Venezuela said it would reciprocate by sending a delegation to Washington.

Trump Seeks Oil Investment

U.S. President Donald Trump said he had postponed a second wave of military action following the release of political prisoners. At a White House meeting with oil executives, he encouraged investment in Venezuela’s oil reserves, the largest in the world, but cautioned that companies would operate under U.S. oversight rather than directly with Caracas.

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods reportedly described Venezuela as “uninvestable” without broad structural reforms, underscoring the challenges of operating in a country recovering from years of mismanagement and sanctions. Trump claimed that oil companies had pledged $100 billion in investment and that proceeds from crude sales would be used to purchase U.S.-made goods.

Maritime Pressure Continues

Washington maintained a strong presence in the Caribbean, seizing oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude. State-owned PDVSA confirmed one vessel had returned to Venezuelan waters, calling it a “first successful joint operation” with U.S. authorities.

Political Prisoners Released

Authorities in Caracas began releasing political prisoners for the first time since the U.S. raid. Relatives gathered outside jails to welcome detainees, with many expressing relief and gratitude. Among them was Dilsia Caro, who waited for the release of her husband, jailed for criticizing Maduro.

Trump indicated he would meet next week with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, while exiled figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia emphasized that any democratic transition must recognise his claim to victory in the 2024 presidential election, which Maduro’s contested re-election had overshadowed.

Protests Continue in Caracas

Angry demonstrations erupted in Caracas as protesters called for Maduro’s release. Citizens expressed outrage over the U.S. operation, which reportedly left 100 people dead. Some voiced opposition to providing Venezuelan oil to the U.S., citing the loss of life and damage caused by the raid.

Josefina Castro, a 70-year-old civil activist, said, “Our Venezuelan brothers died in the attack, and that hurts. We don’t have to give one little drop of oil to Trump after all that he has done to us.”

Road Ahead for Venezuela-U.S. Relations

While tensions remain high, the initiation of diplomatic talks signals a potential thaw in relations. Both governments are navigating a complex balance between cooperation over economic interests and lingering grievances stemming from the recent U.S. military operation and political upheaval.