Sat Jan 03 06:10:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed openness to negotiating a drug trafficking agreement with the U.S., despite recent tensions, including a reported CIA strike on Venezuelan soil targeting alleged cartel activity. Maduro reiterated his belief that the U.S. is seeking to overthrow his government and seize Venezuela’s oil reserves. He indicated a willingness to allow U.S. investment in the oil sector, referencing Chevron’s current presence. The interview was taped the same day the U.S. military announced strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, part of a larger campaign justified by President Trump as a fight against drug cartels.

News Article:

Maduro Signals Willingness to Negotiate Drug Agreement with U.S. Amid Rising Tensions

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has indicated a willingness to negotiate a drug trafficking agreement with the United States, even as tensions escalate between the two nations. In a recent interview, Maduro stated Venezuela’s readiness to collaborate with the U.S. on combating drug trafficking, while pointedly declining to comment on a recent CIA operation targeting suspected cartel activity within Venezuela.

Maduro reiterated his long-held belief that the U.S. seeks to oust him from power and exploit Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. He accused the U.S. of employing threats and intimidation tactics, particularly through military deployments in the Caribbean.

Despite the ongoing friction, Maduro extended an olive branch, stating that Venezuela is open to U.S. investment in its oil sector, referencing Chevron’s existing operations. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it,” Maduro said.

The offer comes as the U.S. military continues its strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the region. These actions have been defended by the Trump administration as necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the United States, with President Trump declaring an armed conflict with drug cartels.

The interview followed reports of a CIA-led drone strike on Venezuelan soil targeting a docking area allegedly used by drug cartels. This marks a significant escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against Maduro, who has been charged with narco-terrorism in the U.S. The offer is a surprising turn that will bear watching.

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