Maduro Venezuela US Talks 2026: Dialogue Offered Amid Military Strikes

The US is striking targets, but Nicolás Maduro is calling for a sit-down. On Thursday, the Venezuelan President expressed he's open to negotiations with the United States regarding drug trafficking and oil, despite weeks of intensifying military pressure from the Trump administration. In a state TV interview, Maduro said he's ready for dialogue "wherever they want and whenever they want," signaling a potential tactical pivot as regional tensions reach a breaking point.

Maduro Venezuela US Talks Amid Military Pressure

For the past three months, US forces have been aggressively targeting vessels suspected of smuggling narcotics. Since the first strike on September 2, 2025, the Trump administration's "war on drugs" has resulted in over 30 strikes and more than 110 deaths. The most recent engagement occurred Wednesday, where two boats were hit, killing five people on board.

The stakes rose significantly when Donald Trump confirmed a strike on a "dock area" linked to narco-trafficking. According to CNN and the New York Times, this was a drone strike carried out by the CIA. If verified, this marks the first known US military operation inside Venezuelan territory. Maduro remained elusive during his interview, stating that the attack "could be something we talk about in a few days" rather than confirming or denying it.

Oil Sanctions and Migration Disputes

The conflict isn't just about drugs; it's also about energy and borders. US forces seized an oil tanker on December 10, claiming it transported sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. Caracas slammed the move as "international piracy." Since then, a second tanker has been seized, and a third is being pursued.

Trump has also ramped up rhetoric on migration, accusing Maduro of forcing inmates from prisons and asylums to the US border. While the US Southern Command insists intelligence confirms the targeted vessels were engaged in narco-trafficking, legal experts have questioned whether these maritime strikes violate international laws governing armed conflict. Despite the friction, Maduro's offer for dialogue suggests a desperate or strategic attempt to de-escalate the situation.