The United States formally resumed operations at its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, on Monday, marking the end of a seven-year diplomatic hiatus. The State Department issued a media note stating that the move represents a new chapter in U.S. diplomatic presence in the South American nation.

The embassy had suspended operations in March 2019 amid deteriorating relations with the government of Nicolás Maduro. Since then, U.S. diplomatic engagement occurred through the Venezuela Affairs Unit in Bogotá, Colombia. The resumption follows a U.S. military intervention on January 3, 2026, during which Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and transported to New York for trial on narcoterrorism charges.

Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president after Maduro's removal, leading to a rapid thaw in relations. The U.S. recognized Rodríguez as head of state on March 12. Charge d'Affaires Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas in late January to oversee efforts on the ground.

On March 14, exactly seven years after the flag was lowered, Dogu and her team raised the American flag over the embassy. Dogu remarked, “The American flag represents possibility, hope, and freedom... As the sun rises around us, we are entering the dawn of a new era of U.S.-Venezuela relations.”

Monday's announcement described the step as a key milestone in President Trump's three-phase plan for Venezuela. Dogu's team is restoring the chancery building to accommodate the full return of personnel and eventual consular services. The enhanced presence will allow direct engagement with Venezuela's interim government, civil society, and private sector.

The reopening aligns with U.S. interests in Venezuela's vast oil reserves and economic stabilization. Sanctions on Venezuelan oil were lifted following the intervention, enabling over $1 billion in sales by February. Talks between Trump and Rodríguez, along with visits by U.S. officials, paved the way for cooperation on energy, trade, and security.

Venezuela also released hundreds of political prisoners as part of an amnesty process, with 621 confirmed freed by early March. The embassy website remains active, offering information on visas, passports, and emergency assistance, though full consular operations are pending.

This development signals improved bilateral ties amid Venezuela's post-Maduro transition.