• CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas.
• This historic meeting is the first by a senior U.S. official following the U.S. military operation against Nicolás Maduro.
• Discussions centered on cooperation in intelligence, economic stability, and anti-narcotics efforts.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted a two-hour meeting with Venezuela's interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, in Caracas, marking this as the highest-level visit by a U.S. official since the military operation that captured former leader Nicolás Maduro. The meeting took place at the direction of President Donald Trump and was characterized as a pivotal moment aimed at improving U.S.-Venezuelan relations, according to Reuters, CBS News, Reuters, and Los Angeles Times.

During the meeting, Ratcliffe emphasized the need for Venezuela to cease its support for drug trafficking and to enhance economic collaboration between the two nations. This reflects broader strategic goals to prevent Venezuela from serving as a "safe haven" for U.S. adversaries, especially narcotraffickers, according to a U.S. official speaking to Reuters, and Los Angeles Times.

The timing of Ratcliffe's visit coincided with a meeting in Washington between President Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to him. This parallel underscores complex diplomatic dynamics as both sides navigate their positions in light of the recent political upheaval in Venezuela, as noted by CBS News and Reuters.

Additionally, Ratcliffe's visit is seen as a precursor to future collaborations, particularly in ensuring economic stability amidst regional challenges. The meeting was described as a vital step toward establishing a cooperative relationship as the U.S. continues to explore its role in Venezuela’s evolving political landscape, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.