Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro struck a conciliatory but guarded tone toward the United States, signaling openness to negotiations even as Washington’s pressure campaign intensifies. Speaking in an interview aired on Jan. 2, 2026, Maduro said Venezuela is prepared to discuss agreements on drug trafficking, oil, and migration, while avoiding confirmation of a reported US strike on Venezuelan territory days earlier.

Maduro framed the overture as pragmatic rather than political. “Wherever they want and whenever they want,” he said of dialogue with Washington, adding that it was time to “start talking seriously, with data in hand.” He stressed that Venezuelan officials have repeatedly told US counterparts they are ready for an agreement to combat drug trafficking, placing cooperation alongside ongoing disputes.

“We’re Ready,” But On Our Terms

The interview followed tangible domestic steps. On the same Thursday, Venezuelan authorities released more than 80 detainees accused of protesting Maduro’s disputed 2024 election victory, marking the second such release in recent days. The timing underscored an attempt to ease international pressure amid months of US sanctions and military actions in the region.

Maduro renewed allegations that Washington’s objective is regime change to gain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for US investment, like with Chevron,” he said, referring to the only major US oil company currently exporting Venezuelan crude to the United States. He also accused the US government of pursuing influence through “threats, intimidation and force.”

Dock Strike Silence And Escalation Control

Asked directly whether he could confirm or deny a reported US attack on Venezuelan soil, Maduro declined. “This could be something we talk about in a few days,” he said, repeating the line when questioned about a reported Central Intelligence Agency drone strike. To date, he has not confirmed a land attack on a docking facility allegedly used by drug-smuggling boats.

US President Donald Trump said earlier this week that US forces struck a dock area “along the shore,” describing “a major explosion” where boats were loaded with drugs. He did not confirm US media reports that the operation involved the CIA or disclose its precise location.

Strike Data And Regional Costs

The dock attack followed months of US strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats originating from Venezuela. Rights groups have criticized the campaign as involving extrajudicial killings. On New Year’s Eve, the same day Maduro’s interview was taped, the US military struck five boats, killing at least five people.

According to figures announced by the Trump administration, the latest actions bring the total number of known boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to 35, with at least 115 people killed. Victims have included Venezuelans and Colombians. Trump has labeled regional drug cartels “narcoterrorists” and claimed, without providing evidence, that Maduro leads a trafficking organization targeting the US.

Maduro rejected that framing, arguing that US policy risks dragging the region into conflict. Citing public opinion, he said that “80% of the US do not want a Vietnam war” or repeats of Afghanistan, Iraq, or Libya in the Caribbean or South America.