Venezuela handed over a U.S. Armed Forces veteran amid bilateral negotiations aimed at extending Chevron’s operating license. The move marks progress in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

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On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Venezuelan government handed over Joe St. Clair, a U.S. Air Force veteran who had been detained in Venezuelan territory. The transfer took place in Antigua and Barbuda, where negotiations between Venezuelan and U.S. delegations are underway.

The talks between both governments are taking place in Antigua and Barbuda, involving representatives of President Nicolás Maduro and U.S. Special Envoy Richard Grenell. According to sources cited by Venezuelan media outlets such as LaIguana.tv and Telesur, the discussions focus on two main issues: the situation of U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela and the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants from the United States.

Chevron: License Extension in Venezuela

Alongside the veteran’s transfer, sources close to the process confirmed that the Trump administration is preparing to extend Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela for an additional 60 days.

 This announcement is expected on the same day, coinciding with the diplomatic progress achieved with St. Clair’s release. Chevron accounts for approximately 20% of Venezuela’s oil production, making it vital to the national economy.

BREAKING:

In another BLOW to the CCP, the Trump administration will be extending @Chevron’s May 27th deadline to halt their oil operations in Venezuela by another 60 days!

During this time, the US will continue their negotiations with Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro… https://t.co/63yiixyK5c

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 20, 2025

Repatriation and Migration

During the negotiations, Venezuela also agreed to maintain regular return flights for its citizens from the United States. This commitment comes amid the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended temporary protection for about 350,000 Venezuelans, exposing many to possible deportation.

In recent weeks, there have been signs of easing tensions between the two countries. President Nicolás Maduro publicly thanked Donald Trump for facilitating the reunion of the girl Maikelys Espinoza with her mother in Caracas after a year of separation due to an ICE order. These developments suggest a potential opening in bilateral relations, although significant challenges remain regarding sanctions and human rights.

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