US and Venezuela Explore Restoring Diplomatic Ties After Maduro’s Capture

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez balances calls for cooperation with condemnations of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
US and Venezuela Explore Restoring Diplomatic Ties After Maduro’s Capture
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez attends a session of the National Assembly to swear in as Venezuela's interim President in Caracas, on Jan. 5, 2026. Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images
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The United States and Venezuela announced Friday they are pursuing the possibility of reestablishing diplomatic relations, coming a week after a U.S. military operation that captured former leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and extradited him to face drug-trafficking charges in New York.

A U.S. delegation, including diplomats and security personnel, visited Venezuela to evaluate the potential reopening of the American Embassy in Caracas, the State Department said in a statement sent to media outlets. The department did not immediately return a request for comment.

Kimberly Hayek
Kimberly Hayek
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Kimberly Hayek is a reporter for The Epoch Times. She covers California news and has worked as an editor and on scene at the U.S.-Mexico border during the 2018 migrant caravan crisis.