U.S. says will not obstruct Venezuela Opposition leader's return
The U.S. government has stated it will not obstruct the return of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado to her home country. Diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure her safe return without the risk of arrest by the current interim authorities.
Why it matters
This reflects ongoing geopolitical efforts to stabilize Venezuela and manage the transition of power following the overthrow of the previous administration.
The United States will not block Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's return to her home country, a U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday (July 15, 2026), though he cautioned that the right conditions must be in place.
"The policy in the State Department is clear: we're not going to obstruct Maria Corina to return," Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America Luis Mendez told Congress during a hearing.
Ms. Machado left Venezuela last December to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in Norway and has not returned since then.
"Now, I do think that there's some work we need to do in the context of Venezuela, so that way, when she returns, she doesn't get arrested," Mr. Mendez said.
Since the devastating double earthquakes on June 24, Ms. Machado has tried to return to Caracas on multiple occasions, but she was blocked by diplomatic pressure from Venezuela.
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