U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has halted a planned second wave of military actions against Venezuela, after Caracas showed signs of cooperation with Washington. The announcement marks a notable shift in the tense relations between the two countries following a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela.
🇻🇪 Cooperation and Prisoner Releases Cue De-escalation
President Trump wrote on his social media platform that Venezuela’s release of a large number of political prisoners was a “very important and smart gesture” and a sign that the country was seeking peace. The decision to call off the anticipated follow-up attacks reflects this perceived improvement in bilateral cooperation.
Trump noted that the U.S. and Venezuela are “working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.” These developments, he said, have lessened the need for further military action.
🛡️ Military Presence and Economic Focus
Although Trump cancelled the second phase of strikes, he emphasized that U.S. naval forces will remain in the region to ensure security and stability. The president also flagged plans to host oil executives at the White House later Friday to discuss substantial investments in Venezuela’s energy sector — a move aimed at rebuilding the country’s oil production capacity and generating economic opportunities.
The administration has suggested that U.S. oil firms could invest as much as $100 billion in Venezuelan oil and gas infrastructure, reinforcing economic engagement as a key pillar of the evolving U.S.–Venezuela relationship.
📌 Wider Context: Leadership and Diplomacy
The announcement follows intense developments in recent weeks, including a controversial U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump has indicated interest in engaging with Venezuelan opposition figures and strengthening diplomatic channels while maintaining pressure on strategic and security fronts.
