• Venezuela confirms exploratory talks to restore diplomatic relations with the U.S.
• U.S. delegation visits Caracas to assess reopening the embassy.
• The discussions follow the U.S. military's removal of President Nicolas Maduro.
• Delcy Rodriguez condemns U.S. actions but expresses intent for dialogue.
• Trump announces cancellation of further military actions amid diplomatic overtures.

Venezuela's government has officially initiated exploratory talks with the United States aimed at restoring diplomatic relations. This development follows the recent military abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. Venezuelan officials reported that a U.S. delegation arrived in Caracas to assess the implications of reopening the U.S. Embassy in the country, marking a significant turn in U.S.-Venezuela relations, which have deteriorated since the era of Hugo Chavez in 1999, and completely collapsed in 2019 when the U.S. recognized opposition figure Juan Guaido as interim president, according to Reuters and Aljazeera.

In a statement, interim President Delcy Rodriguez noted, "The government of Venezuela has decided to initiate an exploratory diplomatic process with the U.S., aimed at reestablishing diplomatic missions in both countries." The move signals a potential thaw in relations despite the backdrop of military intervention and ongoing tensions, as Venezuelan officials indicated they would reciprocate with a delegation visiting the U.S. to discuss similar matters, according to Los Angeles Times and Le Monde.

Following Maduro's capture, Rodriguez condemned the U.S. military actions as a "serious, criminal, illegal, and illegitimate attack," yet has pivoted towards cooperating with the U.S. for potential peace talks. Simultaneously, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he has canceled a planned second wave of military attacks against Venezuela, citing recent prisoner releases as a sign of goodwill from Caracas and signaling that diplomacy could be a pathway forward, according to Channel News Asia.

While diplomatic engagement is underway, tensions remain high with the U.S. maintaining sanctions and military pressure on Venezuela's oil resources. The Trump administration plans to meet with oil executives to discuss future investments in Venezuela, with Trump inviting foreign firms to engage with the U.S. instead of the Venezuelan government for any resources, highlighting the complex dynamics of international relations at play, as noted by Los Angeles Times and Channel News Asia.