Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is evaluating when to return to Venezuela, according to four opposition sources and two political analysts consulted by Reuters.
Machado is currently in Panama and plans to travel to the United States before returning to Venezuela, though no itinerary has been finalized. A source close to the opposition leader told Reuters that "she will return. She will go to the United States, but not to ask for permission."
The same source said Machado intends to focus on promoting fair elections once she returns to Venezuela.
Machado left Venezuela in late 2025 to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after having remained largely in hiding since the contested 2024 elections. She has repeatedly promised to return to the country.
According to sources and analysts, Machado faces a growing dilemma about when to return to Venezuela to mobilize support, amid reluctance from the U.S. government under President Donald Trump regarding her return. American officials have privately asked her to delay her trip following two earthquakes in June, the sources said.
The question of Machado's return could transform the political landscape in Venezuela, where negotiations backed by international actors have been ongoing.