Trump announces upcoming call with Venezuela's Maduro

US President Donald Trump has confirmed he will soon hold a conversation with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, signaling a potential diplomatic opening between the two nations. The announcement comes during a period of escalated tensions, with Trump revealing his plans during a radio interview but keeping the specific agenda confidential.

A Deliberately Vague Agenda

When pressed for details about the upcoming discussion's content, President Trump remained deliberately ambiguous. "I can't tell you what I'm going to tell him, but I have something very specific to say," he stated. He reiterated longstanding US accusations against the Maduro government, including allegations of involvement in international drug trafficking, though he did not confirm if these would be the primary topic.

Maduro's Warning and Accusations

President Maduro had previously issued a stark warning, asserting that any American military action against Venezuela would lead to Trump's "political end." He characterized the pressure for intervention as a provocation from both Trump's domestic adversaries and individuals within his circle. Maduro suggested these actors were calculating a "post-Trump era" and were willing to harm the president politically by pushing him toward a military conflict.

Openness to Dialogue Amid Military Posturing

Despite the hostile rhetoric, the Venezuelan president has consistently stated his government's readiness for "face-to-face" dialogue with Washington. He emphasized that diplomacy remains the "invariable" position of his administration. This diplomatic overture exists alongside a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean, which has included numerous strikes on vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking and signals of potential future actions within Venezuela itself.