Sat Jan 03 06:20:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:
Summary:
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, facing increased pressure from the Trump administration, has expressed a willingness to negotiate with the U.S. on combating drug trafficking and open Venezuela’s oil reserves for US investments. This offer comes amid a sustained US campaign that includes strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, increased naval presence, and seizures of oil tankers. While the U.S. claims these actions aim to stop drug cartels, some lawmakers have questioned their legality. Trump has even alluded to a direct U.S. strike on a facility in Venezuela and authorized the CIA to take unspecified action in Venezuela. Maduro, while denying ties to drug trafficking, is seeking a peaceful relationship with the U.S. despite the ongoing tensions and U.S. non-recognition of his presidency.
News Article:
Maduro Signals Willingness to Negotiate with U.S. Amid Escalating Tensions
CARACAS, VENEZUELA – Under increasing pressure from the Trump administration, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has signaled a willingness to negotiate with the United States on combating drug trafficking and allow US investment in Venezuela’s oil reserves. The offer comes amidst a sustained U.S. campaign targeting alleged drug-smuggling operations, including a recent series of deadly strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, increased U.S. naval presence, and the seizure of oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast.
“The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready,” Maduro stated in an interview aired on state TV channel teleSUR.
The Trump administration has maintained that its actions are aimed at dismantling drug cartels and stemming the flow of narcotics into the U.S. However, some U.S. lawmakers have questioned the legality of the strikes, particularly the use of the U.S. military in such operations.
Adding to the tensions, President Trump has alluded to a U.S. strike on a facility in Venezuela. “We just knocked out…they have a big plant or big facility where they send the, you know, where the ships come from,” Trump stated in a recent interview. He provided no further details, and NBC News has not independently confirmed the strike. Trump also acknowledged in October that he authorized the CIA to take unspecified action in Venezuela.
Maduro, while denying any ties to the drug trade and accusing the U.S. of “fabricating” a war against him, struck a more conciliatory tone in the interview. He expressed a desire for peaceful relations between the two countries and offered access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment…whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it,” Maduro said.
The U.S. does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president following the widely disputed 2024 election. Trump has previously indicated he was considering talks with Maduro but has also said his “days are numbered” and has not ruled out military action. Maduro declined to comment on reports of an alleged US ground attack on a docking facility in Venezuela, stating he would address the issue “in a few days”.
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