Maduro Open to Trump Talks; Silent on U.S. Strike at Venezuelan Dock

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro recently expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with the United States to address drug trafficking. This marks a notable shift amid increasing U.S. pressure on his administration. Maduro stated he is prepared to discuss terms if the U.S. is serious about combating drugs.

Maduro’s Open Invitation to Negotiation

In a taped interview aired on teleSUR, Maduro emphasized that the U.S. government is aware of Venezuela’s readiness to negotiate. He did not, however, comment on a recent alleged U.S. ground attack on a dock in Venezuela that some reports suggest was carried out by the CIA.

U.S. Military Actions Against Venezuela

• In October, President Donald Trump acknowledged authorizing certain actions by the CIA in Venezuela.
• The U.S. has intensified military activities in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels.
• On New Year’s Eve, two drug-trafficking vessels were struck, resulting in five fatalities.
• The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest U.S. aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean in November.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has been conducting operations to disrupt drug cartels linked to Venezuela. However, some lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the legality of these military interventions.

The Complex Relationship with the U.S.

Maduro accused the U.S. of attempting to impose its will through “threats, intimidation, and force.” Despite this, he expressed a willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on drug issues and highlighted opportunities for American investment in Venezuela’s oil industry.

During his interview, Maduro urged that if the U.S. seeks oil, Venezuela is open to collaboration, referencing existing ties with Chevron. This suggests an openness to change in diplomatic relations, despite ongoing tensions.

Concerns Over Legitimacy and Future Dialogues

Despite Maduro’s outreach, the U.S. does not recognize him as the legitimate president following what many call a rigged 2024 election. Trump had previously mentioned potential discussions but later suggested that Maduro’s tenure is nearing its end. He also hinted at the possibility of military action against Venezuela.

Maduro chose not to directly address the alleged attack in his recent interview but promised to discuss it in the future, signaling ongoing complexities in U.S.-Venezuelan relations.