US and Venezuela begin exploratory talks on diplomatic relations

The United States and Venezuela announced Friday they are taking initial steps to restore diplomatic relations after years of estrangement, marking a significant shift following recent intense political and military developments. A delegation of US diplomats and security officials arrived in Caracas to begin technical and logistical assessments for a possible phased reopening of the US Embassy , which has been closed since diplomatic relations were severed in 2019 .

The US State Department said the delegation, led by senior diplomatic officials, traveled to Venezuela to evaluate conditions for reopening the embassy and restarting regular diplomatic functions. A US official described the visit as a preliminary assessment of a potential phased resumption of operations, underlining that any reopening would depend on security and logistical considerations.

On the Venezuelan side , the government confirmed it has initiated an “exploratory diplomatic process” with the United States aimed at restoring official missions in both countries. Foreign Minister Yván Gil said in a statement that Venezuela’s interim government has taken this step to address the consequences of recent conflicts and pursue mutual interests, and that it plans to send a delegation to Washington to continue discussions.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez made a direct public statement on Friday, emphasizing that “our response will be in the realm of diplomacy.” She said this diplomatic engagement will be a chance for both countries to meet “face to face,” and that Venezuela will approach talks with what she called a “diplomacy of peace” to defend the nation’s interests.

Rodríguez reiterated Caracas’s denunciation of a recent US military operation that led to heavy casualties and the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, describing the attack as illegal aggression. She stressed that Venezuela intends to confront these challenges through diplomatic channels and international law.

While neither side has provided a firm timeline for completing the restoration of full diplomatic relations or reopening embassies, US officials have signaled that the process will take time and involve phased assessments. They have also noted that the exploratory talks could expand to broader cooperation, including on issues such as sanctions, economic engagement and oil sector discussions if progress continues.