U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (February 13, 2026) he planned to visit Venezuela and reiterated satisfaction with its interim leader, as his administration authorised five major oil companies to operate in the country. "I'm going to make a visit to Venezuela," Mr. Trump told reporters on Friday (February 13, 2026), while adding that the date had not been decided. Mr. Trump and top appointees like Energy Secretary Chris Wright have been blunt in characterising Washington as a party controlling Venezuela's oil resources for the foreseeable future. Also Read | Pressure points: On Trump seeking Venezuela’s oil without costs of occupation"The United States is committed to restoring Venezuela's prosperity, safety, and security for the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people." Mr. Wright said Wednesday (February 11, 2026) that the U.S. oil embargo on Venezuela, in place since 2019, was "essentially over."

Source: The Hindu February 14, 2026 08:39 UTC