'Not afraid to confront diplomatically': Venezuela's interim president tells US

In Madoro's absence, Rodriguez delivered his state of the nation address to parliament and received loud applause.

Published on: Jan 16, 2026 5:34 AM IST

By HT News Desk

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Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday said that her government does not fear the diplomatic confrontation with the United States, which ousted her predecessor Nicolas Maduro in a military strike in January.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez waves as she walks to deliver her first annual address to the nation at the National Assembly. (Reuters)

"We know they are very powerful. We know they are a lethal nuclear power... We are not afraid to confront them diplomatically, through political dialogue," AFP quoted Rodriguez as saying.

Earlier served as the vice president under Maduro, Rodriguez is a vocal ally of the ousted leader. President Trump agreed to work with her as long as her government toes Washington's line, especially related to access to Venezuela's vast oil resources.

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In Madoro's absence, Rodriguez delivered his state of the nation address to parliament and received loud applause. In her adress she told lawmakers she had asked Washington to show “respect” for the dignity of Maduro, who faces drug trafficking charges in the United States.

Rodriguez to propose oil reforms

Meanwhile, Rodriguez also proposed reforms of legislation governing the country's oil sector as she recalibrates relations with Washington. Without providing many details, Rodriguez told parliament the reforms would touch on Venezuela's so-called anti-blockade law, which provides the government with tools to counteract US sanctions in place since 2019, the report said.

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On Wednesday, Rodriguez talked to Trump via telephone, who described Rodriguez as "a terrific person."

Trump said on social media he and Rodriguez had discussed "many topics," including oil, minerals, trade and national security.

"We are making tremendous progress," the Republican added.

Rodriguez hasfaced difficyltybetween meetingTrump's demands without alienating Maduro loyalists who control Venezuela's security forces.

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HT News Desk
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