Exxon Mobil remains interested in assessing a potential return to Venezuela and is prepared to send a technical evaluation team within weeks, despite US President Donald Trump signaling he may block the company from operating there, a source familiar with Exxon’s strategy said to Reuters.

The comments follow Trump’s criticism of Exxon CEO Darren Woods, who told a White House meeting of oil executives last week that Venezuela would need to enact legal reforms and provide stronger investment protections before Exxon would commit capital.

Furthermore, Woods said the US administration could play a role in resolving Venezuela’s long-standing industry problems, a position that reportedly surprised Exxon executives when Trump later said he “didn’t like Exxon’s response” and was inclined to keep the company out.

The debate comes days after US forces captured and removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, prompting Trump to urge American energy companies to invest up to $100 billion to rebuild the country’s oil sector.

Exxon, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron were major partners of state oil firm Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) before the industry was nationalized between 2004 and 2007.

Chevron later negotiated terms to remain, while Exxon and ConocoPhillips exited and are owed more than $13 billion combined following arbitration over expropriated assets.

Outstanding debts and legal uncertainty remain significant hurdles for potential investors, though industry figures say Venezuela’s vast energy resources are likely to continue attracting strong interest and that the Trump administration is aware of those concerns.