Venezuela says it has begun exploratory talks with the US to reopen embassies, following the deposition of President Nicolas Maduro.
CARACAS: Venezuela has launched exploratory talks with the United States on restoring diplomatic relations.
The announcement follows the US-led military operation that deposed President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said the interim government of Delcy Rodriguez initiated the process “aimed at re-establishing diplomatic missions in both countries.”
A US official confirmed that American diplomats travelled to Caracas to assess a potential phased resumption of operations.
Venezuela said it would reciprocate by sending a delegation to Washington.
Rodriguez condemned the US attack as criminal and illegitimate but vowed to confront the aggression diplomatically.
The diplomatic movement comes as the US maintains pressure on Venezuela’s oil sector.
President Donald Trump met with oil executives, pressing them to invest in the country’s vast reserves.
He claimed foreign companies now had “total security” in a “whole different Venezuela.”
Trump said deals would be made solely with Washington, not Caracas, for exploiting Venezuelan oil.
ExxonMobil’s CEO, however, called the country “uninvestable” without major reforms.
The US has also seized tankers carrying Venezuelan crude in the Caribbean.
State oil company PDVSA described the return of one vessel as a “first successful joint operation” with Washington.
Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners, a move the US claims credit for.
Relatives waited outside jails, with one woman saying she “broke down” upon hearing the news.
Trump said he would meet next week with Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado.
Exiled opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia insisted any democratic transition must recognise his 2024 election claim.
Protests continued in Caracas demanding Maduro’s release.
Demonstrators expressed anger over the US attack, which Caracas says killed 100 people.
“We don’t have to give one little drop of oil to Trump after all that he has done to us,” said one protester.
