Venezuela’s Interim President Key to US Strategy Amid Post-Maduro Transition
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, POLITICO has identified Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela‘s interim president, as the linchpin of any potential US strategy toward the country. The report, citing unnamed White House officials, outlines three key demands: cracking down on drug trafficking, halting oil sales to US adversaries, and cutting military-security ties with nations like Iran and Cuba. Washington also expects Rodríguez to facilitate elections and a power transfer, though deadlines remain flexible.
Two days after the US intervention in Venezuela, uncertainties persist about Washington’s post-Maduro plans. Despite Rodríguez’s longstanding alliance with the deposed leader, the Trump administration believes she will comply with its demands—or face military consequences. POLITICO revealed that backchannel negotiations have progressed further than publicly acknowledged, with incentives like sanctions relief reportedly offered to secure cooperation.
Reuters separately reported that CIA assessments concluded Maduro loyalists remain Venezuela’s most viable transitional leaders, influencing Trump’s decision to back Rodríguez over opposition figure María Corina Machado.
