The United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, in a significant step towards restoring relations between the two countries after months of political upheaval.
The decision, announced by the US Treasury, removes Rodríguez from its sanctions list and allows her government to engage more freely with American businesses and investors. The move is widely seen as part of a broader effort by Washington to stabilise Venezuela and reopen channels of economic cooperation, particularly in the oil sector.
Rodríguez, who assumed power following the dramatic capture of former president Nicolás Maduro by US forces earlier this year, welcomed the development, describing it as a step towards “normalising and strengthening” bilateral relations.
Maduro and his wife were taken to New York in January to face drug trafficking charges, to which they have pleaded not guilty, marking a turning point in Venezuela’s political crisis and prompting a recalibration of US policy.
Washington had previously sanctioned Rodríguez in 2018 over allegations of undermining democratic processes under Maduro’s administration. However, the current shift reflects a pragmatic approach by the US, which has opted to work with her transitional leadership rather than the fractured opposition.
The lifting of sanctions is expected to accelerate economic engagement, including renewed oil sales and foreign investment in Venezuela’s energy and mining sectors. Recent measures have already eased restrictions on the state oil company, PDVSA, allowing it to re-enter global markets.
Despite the diplomatic thaw, uncertainties remain. Several figures linked to the previous administration are still under sanctions, while questions persist over Venezuela’s political future and the prospects for democratic elections.
For now, the move underscores a cautious but notable shift in US–Venezuela relations, with Rodríguez positioning herself as a central figure in the country’s political and economic transition.
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