Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez Says Disputes With US Will Be Resolved Through Diplomacy

Rodríguez calls for national unity and domestic political dialogue, rejects foreign interference amid ongoing tensions with Washington

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has stated that differences with the United States over the future of her country will be addressed through diplomatic channels, asserting that Caracas seeks respectful, face-to-face dialogue rather than escalation.

Speaking on Sunday (January 25, 2026) at an event with oil workers at the Puerto La Cruz refinery in northeastern Venezuela, Rodríguez emphasised the importance of resolving disputes with Washington through what she described as Bolivarian diplomacy, focusing on peace and stability for the nation.

“Diplomacy, Not Conflict”

Rodríguez said her government will tackle longstanding disagreements with the United States “face to face” and with respect. She stressed that peace and stability must unite Venezuelans, and that Venezuela never expected a foreign military attack on a South American capital.

She was referring to the U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, when American forces struck Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and captured former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, an action that triggered international controversy and widespread condemnation.

Rejecting Foreign Orders and Emphasising Sovereign Dialogue

Rodríguez also called for national unity and urged Venezuelans to resolve internal differences through domestic political dialogue, free from outside interference. She emphasised that:

“Enough of orders from Washington to politicians in Venezuela. Venezuela must resolve its own differences and conflicts.”

Her remarks reflect a shift in rhetoric — from outright condemnation of foreign military actions to a diplomatic posture aimed at engagement while asserting Venezuela’s sovereign decision-making.

Accusations Over US Military Actions

Rodríguez reiterated that Venezuela never envisioned a scenario in which a South American capital would be subjected to a military attack by a foreign power. She implied that the January 3 operation, which resulted in Maduro’s capture and transfer to the United States to face federal charges, was an extreme measure that underlined the need for diplomacy rather than confrontation.

The US raid — which Maduro and his wife were subsequently arraigned before a US court on drug trafficking and narcoterrorism charges — remains a flashpoint in diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington.

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Recent Moves Toward Diplomatic Engagement

Despite deep tensions, there are indications of diplomatic engagement between the two governments. Earlier reports noted that Venezuela has initiated exploratory diplomatic talks with the United States aimed at restoring formal ties, signalling a possible willingness to re-establish relations after months of conflict.

Details of these efforts include discussions about cooperation, economic collaboration, and negotiations over the management of Venezuela’s vast oil resources, although core disagreements remain unresolved.

Calls for Internal Political Dialogue

Rodríguez’s comments in Puerto La Cruz went beyond foreign policy. She urged Venezuelans to reject external influence and strengthen domestic political dialogue:

• She said that internal conflicts must be resolved by Venezuelans themselves

• She decried political direction from abroad as counterproductive

• She reaffirmed a commitment to Bolivarian principles as a foundation for unity and governance

This approach seems designed to counter perceptions that Venezuela’s leadership is subordinate to foreign powers following the January 3 incident.

What This Means for Venezuela-US Relations

Rodríguez’s public embrace of diplomacy represents a strategic recalibration amid:

• Ongoing political uncertainty since Maduro’s capture

• International pressure over human rights and governance

• Economic crises affecting the oil-dependent economy

• Continued US interests in stabilisation and oil production cooperation

While Rodríguez has criticised parts of US policy, including alleged interference, her appeal for diplomatic engagement may be aimed at reducing tensions and drawing a path toward negotiated resolution of bilateral issues.

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Broader Context: International and Domestic Reactions

The broader global response to the US action in Venezuela has been mixed, with some governments condemning the military intervention and others emphasising the need for legal and diplomatic processes. Countries such as France, Germany and others called for peaceful resolution and respect for international law after the US military strikes.

Within Venezuela, Rodríguez’s stance underscores a balancing act between resisting perceived US pressure and engaging in official diplomatic channels, while calling on the nation to build cohesion amid political uncertainty.