Trump says US will open Venezuela's commercial airspace 'very shortly'

US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will soon open Venezuela's commercial airspace to travel and commerce. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump stated he informed Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez of the decision, adding that Americans will be able to visit the South American nation "very shortly" and "they'll be safe there."

Plans for US Oil Investment and Economic Revitalization

Beyond the aviation announcement, President Trump suggested a significant economic opening is underway. He claimed that major US oil companies are currently in Venezuela "scouting out projects and picking their locations," forecasting that their operations would bring "tremendous wealth for Venezuela and for the United States." This indicates a potential large-scale return of US energy investment to a country with the world's largest proven oil reserves.

Context of Recent US Intervention in Venezuela

The announcement marks a dramatic shift in US-Venezuela relations following the US military operation on January 3 that captured former President Nicolás Maduro. The move to normalize air travel and promote oil investment suggests the Trump administration is rapidly implementing a post-Maduro economic strategy, seeking to integrate Venezuela back into the global economy under the new political leadership in Caracas.

Regional Implications and Global Reactions

This policy shift will have significant repercussions for Latin America and global energy markets. It represents a decisive US effort to reshape the political and economic landscape of a country long at odds with Washington. For nations like Türkiye, which has maintained economic ties with Venezuela, the developments underscore the profound and often unilateral impact of US foreign policy decisions on regional dynamics and international trade partnerships.