Venezuela has taken initial steps toward restoring formal diplomatic relations with the United States, sending a signal of possible thaw after years of severed ties and escalating tensions.
In a statement released Friday, Venezuela’s government said it has opened an exploratory process with Washington focused on rebuilding diplomatic missions in both countries. The announcement came as U.S. State Department officials traveled to Caracas to conduct technical and logistical reviews tied to a possible reopening of embassy operations.
The U.S. State Department confirmed the visit, saying its team was evaluating the feasibility of a gradual return of diplomatic activities in Venezuela. Officials described the trip as an assessment phase rather than a full restoration of relations.
“The government of Venezuela has decided to initiate an exploratory diplomatic process with the U.S. government, with a view to reestablishing the diplomatic missions in both countries,” the Venezuelan statement said. It added that Caracas would also send a delegation to the United States to carry out similar evaluations.
Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries have been largely frozen since 2019, when the United States withdrew its diplomats amid a political crisis and imposed sweeping sanctions.
The renewed engagement follows last week’s U.S. military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. His vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, assumed the role of interim leader in the aftermath, according to Venezuelan authorities.
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Since then, both governments have signaled a willingness to explore cooperation. Earlier on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela’s recent release of political prisoners suggested a desire to deescalate tensions.
Trump described the move as a sign of “seeking peace” and said he had canceled a planned second round of military strikes.
Officials on both sides stressed that the discussions remain preliminary. Any reopening of embassies would likely occur in stages and depend on security, staffing, and political conditions.