US-Venezuela | Venezuela standoff continues as oil talks add new complexity

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Published Jan 11, 2026

Tensions have risen between the United States and Venezuela, following a dramatic shift in relations between the two countries. That shift was triggered by a US military operation that resulted in the capturing of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Washington described the move as a necessary security intervention, while Caracas labelled it an illegal abduction of a sitting head of state. The capture immediately raised questions about sovereignty and international law.

In the days that followed, the US warned that further military action was possible. Those warnings heightened fears of wider regional instability. However, the tone changed within days. The US announced it had cancelled a second wave of attacks. This, it said, followed cooperation from Venezuela. That cooperation included the release of a number of political prisoners.

At the same time, discussions around Venezuela's oil sector came back into focus. US officials spoke of long-term involvement in the country's energy industry. American oil executives were invited to Washington for talks.

Despite this shift toward engagement, US military assets remain in place. These developments have left many asking how this standoff may ultimately unfold.

To unpack what this all means, we're joined by international relations expert, Dr James Armstead.

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