Venezuela's Sanctions Relief at Risk as US Demands Progress

The White House has warned that it is prepared to "pause" sanctions relief for Venezuela unless further progress is made on the release of political prisoners and detained Americans. While the US welcomed an announcement allowing opposition presidential candidates to appeal to Venezuela's highest court, it stated that more needed to be done to avoid a freeze on relaxed sanctions. The US had previously lifted certain sanctions in response to a deal between President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition on holding a 2024 presidential election. The Venezuelan government has until the coming days to show progress or face potential sanctions reinstatement.