The United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, marking a significant shift in Washington’s foreign policy and signalling formal recognition of her authority.
Rodríguez’s name was removed from the US Treasury sanctions list, a move seen as opening the door for renewed economic and diplomatic engagement between both countries.
She welcomed the development, describing it as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cooperation.
“We trust that this progress will allow for the lifting of the sanctions currently in force against our country, and make it possible to build and guarantee an effective binational cooperation agenda for the benefit of our peoples,” she added.
Relations between Washington and Venezuela have improved following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro, who was captured during a January military operation and is currently facing drug trafficking charges in the United States, which he denies.
Since assuming leadership, Rodríguez has worked closely with the administration of Donald Trump, including efforts to open Venezuela’s oil sector to foreign investment and rebuild the country’s struggling economy.
Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president under Maduro, had been sanctioned alongside several senior officials, including Vladimir Padrino López and Diosdado Cabello, over their roles in the former administration.
While she has since dismissed Padrino López, Cabello remains influential and is considered one of her key political allies.
In another sign of warming ties, the US recently reopened its embassy in Caracas after a seven-year closure, reflecting ongoing efforts to normalise relations between both nations.
The developments follow the January 3 operation in Caracas that led to the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were taken to New York for trial.
According to Venezuelan authorities, the military operation resulted in about 100 deaths.
