US Removes 13.5kg of Uranium from Venezuela, Credits Trump Leadership

TL;DR: The United States removed 13.5 kg of highly enriched uranium from a Venezuelan research reactor, crediting President Trump’s leadership. The IAEA confirmed the material was safely moved by land and sea to a Department of Energy site in South Carolina.

Context: After a period of strained ties, the US reopened its embassy in Caracas and resumed commercial flights with Venezuela for the first time in over seven years. Senior officials, including the CIA director, have visited Caracas, and the administration has signaled openness to US energy and mining investments in the country.

Key Facts: The Department of Energy announced that, thanks to President Trump’s decisive leadership, 13.5 kg of highly enriched uranium were removed from a legacy research reactor near Caracas. Brandon Williams, administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, said the removal signals a restored and renewed Venezuela to the world. The International Atomic Energy Agency verified that the uranium was safely and securely transported from South to North America via land and sea.

What It Means: The operation reduces the amount of weapons‑usable material in Venezuela and supports global non‑proliferation goals. It also marks a shift in US‑Venezuela engagement, potentially opening avenues for further diplomatic and economic cooperation.

Watch next: Whether Venezuela agrees to additional nuclear material reductions and how the US‑Iran discussions over highly enriched uranium evolve.