The United States has removed sanctions imposed on Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, in a move seen as part of efforts to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
The decision comes less than three months after U.S. forces captured former leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas and transferred them to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro who previously served as vice-president, had been under U.S. sanctions since 2018 over allegations of undermining democratic processes in Venezuela.
Her removal from the sanctions list means she can now engage freely with U.S. companies and access previously restricted assets, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach toward Caracas.
She assumed office as interim president following Maduro’s removal and has since been recognised by the U.S. as a key partner in efforts to stabilise the country and revive its economy.
Welcoming the development, Rodríguez described the move as a positive step toward restoring relations and strengthening cooperation between both nations.
U.S. officials have also indicated that the decision reflects progress in ongoing engagements aimed at promoting stability, economic recovery and political reconciliation in Venezuela.
However, the move has drawn criticism from opposition groups in Caracas, who argue that more pressure should be placed on the government to release remaining political detainees, despite recent amnesty measures that have seen hundreds freed.
The lifting of sanctions is the latest in a series of developments signalling improved relations, including the recent reopening of the U.S. embassy in Caracas and moves by both countries to restore full diplomatic presence.
