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Us Venezuela Relations

All articles tagged with #us venezuela relations

global-politics-and-policy2 days ago

Memo reveals Venezuela weighed Iranian missiles in 2020

A January 2020 Venezuelan Defense Ministry memo obtained by POLITICO shows Caracas planned to purchase a ballistic missile system from Iran for more than $400 million, detailing funds routed through state-owned companies and missiles to be operated from Venezuelan naval platforms; the plan progressed further than previously known but was blocked under U.S. pressure and ultimately did not result in weapons delivery, with analysts debating how extensive the Iran–Venezuela ties actually were.

U.S. Flag Returns to Caracas Embassy as Ties with Venezuela Begin to Thaw
world27 days ago

U.S. Flag Returns to Caracas Embassy as Ties with Venezuela Begin to Thaw

The U.S. flag was raised at the Caracas embassy for the first time since 2019, seven years after it was taken down, signaling a thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations as renovations continue and a full reopening remains uncertain, with some Caracas residents welcoming the move while others remain skeptical of U.S. influence and Trump-era actions.

American detainee recalls Venezuela prison torture, freed after Maduro’s capture
world1 month ago

American detainee recalls Venezuela prison torture, freed after Maduro’s capture

An American detainee recounts brutal treatment and extended solitary confinement in Venezuela, including beatings and starvation, before his release days after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro. The episode underscores the ongoing risk of wrongful detention for Americans in Venezuela and highlights the broader, tense U.S.–Venezuela relationship.

Venezuela advances broad amnesty that could free hundreds of political prisoners
world2 months ago

Venezuela advances broad amnesty that could free hundreds of political prisoners

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez unveiled a general amnesty bill that could free hundreds detained for political reasons, with exceptions for violent crimes; the move follows opposition pressure and signals a diplomatic outreach as U.S.-Venezuela talks unfold, with reports of released Americans and a plan to convert Helicoide prison into a community center.

American Airlines Plans Return to Venezuela, First U.S. Carrier Back Since 2019
business2 months ago

American Airlines Plans Return to Venezuela, First U.S. Carrier Back Since 2019

American Airlines plans to resume U.S.-Venezuela flights for the first time since 2019, aiming to be the first U.S. carrier to restart service after unrest prompted widespread cuts; the airline will seek federal permissions and security clearances, while Delta and United had paused service, and recent Caribbean airspace disruptions followed U.S. strikes in Venezuela.

Machado urges US to back Venezuela’s democratic transition, wary of Maduro loyalists
world2 months ago

Machado urges US to back Venezuela’s democratic transition, wary of Maduro loyalists

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado urged U.S. leaders to push for a democratic government in Venezuela, criticizing interim president Delcy Rodriguez as aligned with the Maduro regime’s backers and warning that trust, rule of law, and citizen participation cannot be delivered by her or the Maduro remnants; the report notes a rare sign of warming ties as CIA Director Ratcliffe met Rodriguez, reflecting Washington’s cautious engagement while Machado continues her push for democracy and recounts her perilous escape from Venezuela.

US pressed Cabello for months before Maduro raid, warning against targeting opponents
world2 months ago

US pressed Cabello for months before Maduro raid, warning against targeting opponents

Reuters reports that U.S. officials held months‑long talks with Venezuela’s hardline interior minister Diosdado Cabello before the January raid that ousted Maduro, warning him not to use security forces against opponents and discussing sanctions and the drug‑trafficking indictment he faces. The discussions continued after Maduro’s removal and touched on Cabello’s status post‑raid, underscoring U.S. concerns he could derail the transition led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez. Cabello was not captured in the raid, with Rodríguez remaining the central figure for U.S. policy in Venezuela.

CIA chief's Caracas trip signals US leverage as Machado vows to lead Venezuela
world2 months ago

CIA chief's Caracas trip signals US leverage as Machado vows to lead Venezuela

CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Caracas to meet Maduro’s successor comes as Donald Trump backs interim leader Delcy Rodríguez and sidelines opposition figure María Corina Machado, who nonetheless vows to become Venezuela’s first elected female president after handing her Nobel medal to Trump. Analysts depict Machado as marginalized and the US pursuing a deal with Maduro’s allies—seeking oil access and stability—while Rodríguez maintains control and aims to improve ties with Washington.

Venezuela’s Chavistas pivot toward Washington after Maduro’s capture
world2 months ago

Venezuela’s Chavistas pivot toward Washington after Maduro’s capture

Since Maduro's capture by U.S. forces, Venezuela’s Chavista leadership is signaling a pragmatic turn toward Washington, courting energy deals and investment, as U.S. officials broker arrangements and release detainees; analysts warn the shift may be a power-preservation strategy amid sanctions and internal rivalries, notably with Diosdado Cabello.

Machado’s Nobel Prize handover to Trump sparks questions about Venezuela’s leadership
world2 months ago

Machado’s Nobel Prize handover to Trump sparks questions about Venezuela’s leadership

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met Donald Trump at the White House and handed him her Nobel Peace Prize, prompting debate over whether the gesture could influence Washington’s view on Venezuela’s leadership. Under Nobel rules the prize cannot be revoked or transferred, so Machado remains the laureate even as Trump’s reception shapes the country’s political dynamics.