Trump calls off second wave of Venezuela strikes as diplomatic ties Improve

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on **Friday that he has called off a previously anticipated second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, citing growing cooperation between the two countries.

Trump said in a press briefing that relations with Venezuela had taken a more constructive turn, and he highlighted economic opportunities ahead, including plans for major oil companies to invest at least $100 billion in the country’s energy sector.

The president noted that while the planned additional strikes will not go forward, all Venezuelan oil tankers will remain in place “for safety and security purposes.” He said this measure was necessary to protect ongoing commercial and strategic interests.

Trump’s announcement follows a dramatic escalation in U.S.–Venezuelan tensions earlier this month, when American forces conducted strikes in Venezuela and claimed to have captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Since then, Trump had suggested further military action could be possible if Caracas did not align with U.S. objectives, particularly regarding oil industry openness and broader cooperation.

The decision to halt further attacks reflects, according to the White House, a shift toward engagement and economic partnership, even as questions remain about the future political and security landscape in Venezuela.