U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a previously expected second wave of attacks on Venezuela, saying that the situation has changed because of cooperation between the United States and the South American country. Trump made the announcement after recent developments in relations between the two nations.
Writing on Truth Social on Friday, Trump posted, "Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of Seeking Peace. This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their 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, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes. At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL"
Cooperation With Venezuela Leads to De-escalation
Trump said the United States and Venezuela are now “working well together,” and that this teamwork has helped avoid further military actions. As part of this improved relationship, he said that major oil companies are expected to invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela, particularly in rebuilding its vital oil and gas infrastructure.
Although Trump cancelled the planned follow-up strikes, he noted that “all oil tankers in Venezuela will stay in place for safety and security purposes.” This suggests that U.S. forces and assets will remain nearby to protect important energy sites and maintain order.
Political Prisoner Releases Seen as a Gesture of Peace
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump praised Venezuela for releasing “large numbers of political prisoners,” calling this move “a very important and smart gesture.” He said this release was part of the broader shift toward cooperation that made a second wave of attacks unnecessary.
This marks a dramatic shift from earlier tensions, including a recent U.S. attack that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which had drawn international attention and controversy.
Focus on Oil and Economic Cooperation
Trump also highlighted the role of oil in the new U.S.–Venezuela relationship. He said U.S. oil firms would invest heavily in Venezuela’s oil and gas sector, which had suffered under years of sanctions and underinvestment. This focus on economic rebuilding appears to be a key part of Trump’s strategy to reduce conflict and foster cooperation.
Local and International Context
The cancellation of further strikes follows rapid changes on the ground after the seizure of Maduro, and reports of Venezuela taking steps viewed favorably by the U.S., like freeing detainees. However, human rights monitors have noted that many political prisoners may still remain in custody.
Despite this apparent détente, security forces and naval assets are still positioned to ensure stability around Venezuelan ports and energy infrastructure, indicating that the situation remains carefully managed rather than fully resolved.