US military strikes and the January 2026 capture of Nicolás Maduro have shifted focus from potential invasion to post-operation transition planning under the Trump administration. Officials described the action as a targeted law-enforcement operation against narco-terrorism and drug networks, while also citing access to Venezuelan oil resources and temporary US oversight until a stable handover. Venezuela’s acting leadership has rejected proposals for deeper integration, including statehood considerations floated in May 2026, citing sovereignty concerns. Ongoing general licenses for US energy investments and prisoner releases continue, yet no congressional authorization for sustained ground operations has been sought. Traders monitor diplomatic signals, oil-sector developments, and any escalation tied to regional stability or cartel disruptions that could alter the scope of US involvement.