Venezuela's interim president calls on Trump for dialogue after Maduro's arrest
In the wake of the dramatic developments in Caracas, Delcy Rodríguez, appointed by the Supreme Court as Venezuela's interim president, called on US President Donald Trump to establish a new relationship based on balance and mutual respect. This appeal comes amid international anticipation following the swift US military operation that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, placing the future of the oil-rich Latin American nation at a historic crossroads.
A call for peaceful coexistence
In her first official statement after assuming office, Rodríguez delivered a direct message via Telegram, emphasizing that her interim government's top priority is ending the entrenched hostility. Rodríguez wrote: "Our priorities include striving for a balanced and respectful international relationship between the United States and Venezuela, as well as between Venezuela and other countries in the region, based on sovereign equality and non-interference.".
In her conciliatory message, she added: "We invite the United States government to work together on a cooperative agenda focused on shared development within the framework of international law in order to promote sustainable social coexistence," stressing that the Venezuelan people and the entire region deserve "peace and dialogue, not war," a message she affirmed represents the full will of Venezuela at this critical juncture.
Strongly worded American warnings
On the other hand, Washington was quick to respond, with US President Donald Trump issuing a stern warning to the new leadership. In a telephone interview with The Atlantic magazine, Trump threatened Rodriguez with a fate "worse than Maduro's" if she did not fully cooperate with US interests. Trump stated bluntly: "Unless you do the right thing, you will pay a very heavy price, perhaps even more than Maduro.".
Statements from US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicate that Washington is conditioning recognition and cooperation with the remaining administration from the Maduro era on substantial concessions, most notably opening the door for US companies to invest in the energy sector and benefit from the country’s enormous oil reserves.
Conflict context and strategic importance
This event cannot be separated from a long history of tension between Washington and Caracas, which has escalated sharply over the past decade. Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, has always been a focus of US foreign policy. Relations have steadily deteriorated due to harsh economic sanctions and Washington's accusations against the Venezuelan regime of corruption and drug trafficking—accusations that formed the basis of the recent military operation.
Observers believe that the arrest of Maduro (63 years old) and his wife Cilia Flores, which came after months of naval skirmishes and mutual accusations, represents a radical turning point in US policy towards Latin America, as Washington moves from a policy of economic sanctions to direct military intervention to change regimes, which may provoke mixed reactions in international and regional circles regarding the concept of national sovereignty and the future stability of the region.
