Trump Calls Off Another Strike on Venezuela, Citing Collaboration

US Cancels Further Strikes on Venezuela Amid Improved Relations

Photographer: Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty Images

According to a recent announcement, President Donald Trump has decided not to proceed with additional military actions against Venezuela, attributing the decision to enhanced collaboration between the two nations.

Trump shared on Truth Social that Venezuela has been making progress in working alongside the United States to restore its oil and gas sector, as well as releasing significant numbers of political detainees. As a result, he indicated that further strikes are currently unnecessary.

Top Stories from Bloomberg

Following the president’s remarks, Brent crude prices trimmed earlier gains, trading at $62.16 in London at 10:15 a.m. Trump is also scheduled to meet with American energy leaders as his administration encourages efforts to revitalize Venezuela’s oil industry.

Continued Military Operations in the Region

Despite the pause in strikes on Venezuela, military activities in the area may continue. On Thursday, Trump revealed that preparations were underway for operations targeting drug cartel sites, just days after authorizing a mission to apprehend Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

“We are now going to begin targeting cartel operations on the ground,” Trump stated during a Fox News interview.

The US military has already targeted over a dozen vessels suspected of drug trafficking, citing the fight against narcoterrorism as a partial reason for the recent actions against Maduro. Trump has suggested that while military intervention remains an option to ensure cooperation from Venezuela’s interim government, he hopes further force will not be necessary.

For several months, Trump has also expressed readiness to strike drug production facilities in other countries, including Colombia and Mexico.

Diplomatic Developments with Colombia

Trump’s comments on Thursday came after a positive phone conversation with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Trump later posted his appreciation for Petro’s “call and tone” on social media.

Petro, in his own statement, emphasized the importance of dialogue over conflict, and both leaders have agreed to meet in Washington in the near future.

Popular Reads from Bloomberg Businessweek

Reporting contributed by Catherine Lucey and Hadriana Lowenkron.

©2026 Bloomberg L.P.