Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro has indicated that Caracas is prepared to open channels of communication with the United States on issues including drug trafficking, oil exports, and migration, even as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.
Speaking during a televised interview on state-run media, Maduro said Venezuela remained open to dialogue with Washington “at any time and in any place,” suggesting a willingness to de-escalate relations following weeks of intensified US military and economic pressure.
The comments come as the United States, under President Donald Trump, has significantly expanded maritime operations targeting vessels suspected of transporting narcotics through the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. US officials say these actions are part of a broader campaign to disrupt drug trafficking networks allegedly linked to Venezuela.
Over the past three months, US forces have conducted more than 30 strikes on boats believed to be involved in narcotics smuggling, resulting in over 110 deaths, according to US military figures. The most recent operation reportedly occurred earlier this week, when two suspected drug boats were hit, killing five people.
Tensions escalated further after Trump claimed that US forces had struck a docking facility connected to Venezuelan drug operations, triggering a large explosion. Media outlets including CNN and The New York Times reported that the strike was allegedly carried out by the CIA, which—if confirmed—would mark the first known US operation inside Venezuelan territory.
When questioned about the alleged strike, Maduro declined to confirm the reports, stating that the matter could be addressed at a later time. The White House has not publicly commented on the claims, despite inquiries from international media including BBC.
Beyond security concerns, Maduro said Venezuela was also open to discussions on oil exports and migration. Trump has previously accused Venezuela of deliberately sending criminals to the United States—an allegation Caracas strongly denies.
Meanwhile, US authorities have increased enforcement against sanctioned oil shipments linked to Venezuela. In December, US forces seized an oil tanker near Venezuelan waters, alleging it was transporting sanctioned crude from Venezuela and Iran. Venezuelan officials condemned the seizure as “international piracy.” At least two additional tankers have since been seized or pursued.
US military officials, including US Southern Command, maintain that intelligence assessments justified the maritime strikes, citing known trafficking routes. However, legal experts have raised concerns over whether the operations comply with international law, noting that Washington has not publicly released evidence confirming the targeted vessels were carrying narcotics.
Despite the escalating actions, Maduro’s remarks suggest Venezuela may be seeking a diplomatic opening, even as relations between the two nations remain deeply strained.
