Maduro says Venezuela open to talks with US, remains mum on dock attack

Venezuela leader strikes conciliatory tone while renewing claim US wants to topple government to access vast oil reserves.Published On 2 Jan 2026Venezuela is open to negotiating a deal with the United States to combat drug trafficking, President Nicolas Maduro has said, even as he remained silent on a reported CIA-led strike on his country last week.The latest statement, made during an interview that aired on Thursday, comes as Maduro has struck a more conciliatory tone towards the US amid Washington’s months-long sanctions and military pressure campaign.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump bombs Venezuelan land for first time: Is war imminent?list 2 of 3US claims attack on dock in Venezuela, as missiles also kill two in Pacificlist 3 of 32025: Trump’s year of ’emergency’, ‘invasion’ and ‘narcoterrorism’end of listThat included, on Thursday, the release of more than 80 prisoners accused of protesting his disputed victory in the 2024 election, the second such release in recent days.“Wherever they want and whenever they want,” Maduro told Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet of the idea of dialogue with the US on drug trafficking, oil and migration in an interview on state TV.He stressed that it is time for both nations to “start talking seriously, with data in hand”.“The US 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,” he said.Still, Maduro renewed his allegations that the US is trying to topple his government and gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves through Washington’s months-long sanctions and military pressure campaign.“If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for US investment, like with Chevron,” he added, referring to the US oil giant, which is the only major oil company exporting Venezuelan crude to the US.Asked point-blank by Ramonet if he confirmed or denied a US attack on Venezuelan soil, Maduro said: “This could be something we talk about in a few days.”To date, Maduro has not confirmed a US land attack on a docking facility that allegedly targeted drug boats.