In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Venezuela’s release of detainees was “a very important and smart gesture” and that the two countries were “working well together” on modernizing Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure.
“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed,” Trump wrote, adding that U.S. naval forces would remain in place “for safety and security purposes.”
Trump’s remarks came less than a week after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a high-profile raid. On Friday, Venezuela announced the release of a number of political prisoners as a “gesture to consolidate peace.” Among those freed was former opposition candidate Enrique Márquez.
The president also confirmed he would meet with executives from major oil companies at the White House to discuss investment in Venezuela. “At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL,” Trump wrote, repeating a figure he shared during a Fox News interview.
According to U.S. officials, executives from Exxon Mobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips were expected to attend the meeting. Trump’s spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the session was meant to discuss “the immense opportunity” for U.S. energy companies in Venezuela.
Trump’s administration has claimed control over Venezuela’s oil sector, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright stating earlier this week that Washington would oversee the industry “indefinitely.”
Interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez, however, has insisted her government remains in charge, and said talks with the U.S. on oil sales are ongoing.
Venezuela, which holds roughly one-fifth of the world’s proven oil reserves, has seen its output fall dramatically due to sanctions, underinvestment and years of economic turmoil. Chevron is currently the only U.S. firm licensed to operate there, after Exxon and Conoco left in 2007 amid nationalization efforts under then-President Hugo Chávez.
Trump has framed access to Venezuelan oil as key to lowering U.S. fuel prices, but industry analysts say American energy giants remain cautious, citing legal uncertainty and the massive costs of restarting production.
(jh)
Source: PAP, Reuters, CNN