Maduro Says Venezuela Open to US Talks on Drug Trafficking and Oil
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on Thursday that his government is open to dialogue with the United States on issues including drug trafficking, oil, and migration, amid escalating tensions between the two countries.
In an interview with state television, Maduro said he was willing to hold talks “wherever they want and whenever they want”, signaling a willingness to engage despite weeks of US pressure and recent military operations targeting vessels in Venezuelan waters.
The remarks come after the United States reportedly carried out drone strikes on two boats alleged to be transporting narcotics, resulting in the deaths of five people. US authorities have conducted more than 30 strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since early September, with over 110 people reportedly killed.
Trump had previously announced a strike on a dock area allegedly linked to Venezuelan drug operations, describing a “major explosion.” Maduro, asked about the strike, declined to confirm or deny it, saying “this could be something we talk about in a few days.”
Maduro has repeatedly denied involvement in drug trafficking and dismissed US claims as an attempt to pressure his government and gain control over Venezuela’s oil resources. The Trump administration has also doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture and announced plans to designate his government as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.
Experts on narcotics trafficking say Venezuela primarily serves as a transit country for drugs produced elsewhere, while Colombia remains the largest global producer of cocaine.
The US has also targeted Venezuelan oil shipments in recent months, seizing tankers allegedly transporting sanctioned oil. Venezuela described these actions as “international piracy.”
Despite the strikes, the US Southern Command has maintained that intelligence confirms the vessels were involved in narcotics trafficking, though legal experts question whether the operations comply with international law governing armed conflict.
Maduro’s statements suggest that, amid heightened tensions and military operations, Venezuela remains open to negotiations on multiple fronts, while continuing to reject US allegations of wrongdoing.
