Venezuela's Maduro Embraces Talks with the US on Drug Trafficking

Fri Jan 02 2026 09:26:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a surprising shift, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro expresses willingness to engage in discussions with the United States regarding drug trafficking and oil amid escalating tensions and US military actions.

Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, has opened the door for talks with the US on issues of drug trafficking and oil, following increased American pressure on his government. This came amid a series of US military operations targeting vessels accused of smuggling narcotics. Despite the dialogue offer, Maduro remained evasive about recent US attacks on Venezuelan docking facilities. He also emphasized a desire for discussions on migration. The US continues to take stringent actions against Venezuelan oil operations and alleged drug trafficking activities.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on Thursday he was open to talks with the US on drug trafficking and oil, after weeks of escalating pressure against his government.

In an interview with Venezuelan state TV, Maduro mentioned he was ready for dialogue with the US wherever they want and whenever they want.

He also evaded a question regarding President Trump’s assertions about the US attacking a docking facility in Venezuela, which was reportedly executed by the CIA. The BBC has contacted the White House for comments.

US forces have reportedly been targeting vessels suspected of smuggling narcotics through the Caribbean and eastern Pacific for the past three months.

There have been over 30 strikes on vessels as part of the Trump administration's war on drugs, leading to more than 110 fatalities since the first attack in international waters on September 2.

The latest incident occurred Wednesday when US forces attacked two boats allegedly carrying drugs, resulting in five fatalities.

Trump previously revealed that the US had executed a strike on a dock area related to Venezuelan drug boats, leading to a 'major explosion'. The explosion was reportedly caused by a drone strike executed by the CIA, if verified, marking the first known US operation inside Venezuela.

Maduro remained ambiguous when asked to confirm or deny the attack, stating, this could be something we talk about in a few days. Besides drug trafficking, he expressed readiness for talks on oil and migration issues.

He further claimed that Trump has accused him of emptying prisons and insane asylums and forcing inmates to migrate to the US.

Additionally, the US has ramped up operations against sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, seizing an oil tanker on December 10, which the US claimed was being used for transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. Venezuela condemned this as an act of international piracy.

Legal experts argue that US operations targeting alleged drug boats may violate laws governing conflicts, as the US has yet to provide evidence that the boats were engaged in drug trafficking, despite US Southern Command's claims.

Maduro's announcement and the ongoing military actions highlight the increasing tensions between Venezuela and the United States, placing both nations at a critical juncture regarding potential dialogue amidst rising hostilities.