US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is reportedly planning a visit to Caracas, Venezuela, marking the first trip by a high-level US official since the military operation that led to President Nicolás Maduro's arrest last January. The visit aims to establish direct dialogue with the interim authorities concerning the future of the energy sector, specifically the state oil company PDVSA. This diplomatic move underscores the growing interest of the US in Venezuela's vast oil reserves, which represent a significant portion of the world's oil supply.

The timing of Wright's potential visit coincides with recent statements from former President Donald Trump, who claimed that the United States effectively controls Venezuela and views its oil reserves as a key target for intervention. Trump’s administration has indicated that reviving Venezuelan oil production could lead to substantial investments that would help bring down global energy prices and ease the financial burden on American consumers. This reflects a broader strategy of seeking resources in Venezuela amidst ongoing political and economic instability in the country.

Despite Wright emphasizing that the motivations for US intervention are tied to geopolitical factors, including combating drug trafficking and criminal activities, he acknowledged that Venezuela’s oil resources present a 'fortunate coincidence' that could help improve both the US energy market and the Venezuelan economy. This visit, therefore, could have significant implications for the US-Venezuela relations and the future of energy policies in the region, highlighting the complex interplay of geopolitics and natural resources.