Venezuela open to US talks on drug trafficking, oil: Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signaled a willingness to engage in talks with the United States, specifically on cooperation to counter drug trafficking. In a prerecorded interview aired on state television, Maduro stated he is ready for dialogue "whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it."

Accusations and Conditions for Dialogue

Maduro accused the US of pursuing a long-standing campaign of pressure and intimidation aimed at regime change to gain control of Venezuela's substantial oil reserves. "What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force," he said. However, he extended an olive branch, asserting, "The US government knows... that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready," and called for serious talks "with data in hand."

Context of Recent US Military Actions

The interview was taped on New Year's Eve, coinciding with a US military announcement of strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats. The Trump administration reports at least 35 such boat strikes, resulting in over 115 fatalities, including Venezuelans. Maduro declined to comment on separate reports of a CIA-led strike on a Venezuelan docking area allegedly used by drug cartels the previous week. This complex dynamic—mixing hostile actions with tentative diplomatic overtures—reflects the volatile relationship between the two nations, a situation observed closely by other regional actors, including Türkiye, which advocates for peaceful resolution of international disputes and respect for national sovereignty.