US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Venezuela is “not yet ready” to hold elections, nine months after the United States intervened in the country, leading to the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro.

“I think they’re not ready yet. It’s all very new,” Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to the political situation in Venezuela and the ongoing transition process.

The US president also praised interim President Delcy Rodriguez, saying that she is “doing a very good job.” “That’s what we want, that’s what she wants, but they’re not ready yet,” he added, without providing a timetable for new elections.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new round of talks between Venezuela’s interim government and the opposition. The next phase of the discussions, facilitated by Washington, is expected to take place in about ten days.

“The next phase of these transition discussions, which we are facilitating, will take place in about ten days,” Rubio said during an appearance on Brian Kilmeade’s radio program on Fox News.

The US Secretary of State also welcomed a recently concluded oil agreement between Washington and Caracas, describing it as an important element in relations between the two countries.

The interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez and the Venezuelan opposition held their first round of dialogue in August, focusing on prospects for a political transition. The talks, backed by Washington, come several months after Nicolas Maduro was captured by the US military.

At the same time, economic cooperation between Washington and Caracas is taking on increasing importance. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright was in Caracas on Wednesday to discuss the bilateral oil agreement reached between the two countries.

The agreement is expected to allow the United States to exercise control over a significant share of Venezuela’s oil reserves, further strengthening the strategic dimension of relations between Washington and Caracas.

As political negotiations continue, the Trump administration appears to be favoring a gradual transition in Venezuela, combining dialogue with the opposition, support for the interim government and deeper economic ties, particularly in the energy sector.