US lifts sanctions on Venezuela's top legislator amid energy diplomacy talks

The United States has removed Jorge Rodriguez, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, from its sanctions list, in a move tied to broader energy and diplomatic talks with Caracas. The delisting was posted on the Treasury Department's sanctions website on Wednesday, formally taking his name off the Specially Designated Nationals list. Rodriguez has held the National Assembly presidency since 2021 and was reappointed in January.

The Treasury action comes as Washington and Caracas continue wider negotiations over Venezuela's energy sector and political future. Rodriguez was sanctioned during Donald Trump's first administration, alongside his sister Delcy Rodriguez, over their roles in the government of Nicolas Maduro. According to the supplied material, the decision is part of a broader US approach that includes oil-control efforts and bilateral diplomacy.

Rodriguez is one of the most prominent figures in Venezuela's governing structure and has previously served as vice president under Hugo Chavez. The supplied material says the move follows earlier US steps this year that lifted sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's central bank and the state-owned national airline. Those changes suggest a gradual shift in Washington's approach, from broad economic pressure toward targeted bargaining linked to energy and political concessions.

The development matters because Venezuela remains a major oil producer, and sanctions policy has long been one of Washington's main tools in dealing with the Maduro government. Any easing of restrictions can affect the balance between pressure and engagement, especially when energy supplies and political negotiations are both in play. It also highlights the role of the National Assembly leadership in any future talks over Venezuela's institutions and transition.

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The supplied material says a source familiar with the matter linked the delisting to Washington's wider diplomatic recognition of Venezuela's interim government and a three-phase stabilisation and political transition plan. It also says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the next round of negotiations on Venezuela's future was due to begin on Wednesday. He urged Venezuelan opposition factions to join US-backed political talks with the interim president.

What remains unclear is whether the sanctions relief will be matched by further concessions from Caracas or by additional US measures in the coming days. The supplied material does not say whether Rodriguez's removal from the list changes any other restrictions on him or on institutions linked to him. The next round of talks will be closely watched for signs of whether the latest step leads to broader movement in the US-Venezuela standoff.

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