US and Venezuela Initiate Diplomatic Discussions Following Maduro's Ouster

Venezuela announced on Friday that it has initiated discussions with the United States to restore diplomatic ties, following the removal and detention of former president Nicolas Maduro by US forces.

This development reflects an increasing level of cooperation between the two nations after Maduro's capture and US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Washington is guiding Venezuela's transition.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil indicated that President Delcy Rodriguez's interim government has commenced an “exploratory diplomatic process” intended to reopen embassies in both nations.

US officials confirmed that American diplomats visited Caracas to evaluate the potential phased reopening of the US embassy. In response, Venezuela announced plans to send its own delegation to Washington.

While engaging in talks, Rodriguez criticized the US military operation that led to Maduro’s arrest, labeling it “illegal and criminal,” and affirmed Venezuela's commitment to responding through diplomatic means.

Trump Advocates for Oil Investments

President Trump stated that he halted further military actions after Venezuela initiated the release of political prisoners. He reinforced his call for US oil companies to invest in Venezuela, which reportedly possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves.

During a White House assembly, Trump urged industry leaders to act promptly, asserting that Venezuela is now safe for business. However, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods cautioned that significant reforms must occur before investments are practical.

Trump indicated that oil companies would engage directly with Washington rather than Caracas, claiming firms had committed up to $100 billion in potential investments. He also revealed plans for the US to sell millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil and manage the proceeds, stipulating that any funds sent to Venezuela would be limited to purchases of US-made goods.

Meanwhile, US naval forces maintain pressure in the Caribbean, intercepting oil tankers transporting Venezuelan crude. The state oil company PDVSA confirmed that a vessel has returned to Venezuelan waters, labeling it a joint operation with Washington.

Release of Political Prisoners

Authorities in Venezuela began releasing political prisoners on Thursday, marking the first such move since Maduro's ousting in a January 3 raid that Caracas claims resulted in 100 casualties.

Families congregated outside prisons, awaiting the release of their loved ones. Washington has taken credit for these releases.

Trump has announced plans to meet with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado next week. Exiled opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia has emphasized that any democratic transition must acknowledge his disputed election victory from 2024, a victory Maduro has claimed but which many view as fraudulent.

Protests Persist in Caracas

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transferred to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and other offenses. Despite the shift in power, protests in Caracas have continued, with demonstrators demanding Maduro's release and opposing US control over Venezuelan oil.

One protester stated, “We lost people in the attack, and now they want our oil. That pain remains.”