Maduro Opens Door to U.S. Drug Pact While U.S. Expands Sanctions on Venezuelan Oil
Updated (2 articles)
Maduro signals willingness for data‑driven drug talks In a pretaped interview aired on New Year’s Eve, President Nicolás Maduro told state television that Venezuela will negotiate a drug‑trafficking agreement with the United States if Washington provides verifiable evidence of cartel activity [1][2]. He emphasized that any dialogue must be “constructive” and “based on facts,” rejecting unilateral pressure tactics. Maduro also hinted that oil cooperation, including potential Chevron investment, could follow once terms are clarified [1][2].
U.S. escalates pressure with drone strike and maritime quarantine The CIA carried out a drone strike at a Venezuelan docking area believed to be used by drug cartels, marking the first known direct U.S. action on Venezuelan soil [1][2]. Simultaneously, the White House ordered a maritime quarantine of Venezuelan oil exports, directing U.S. forces to interdict tankers in Caribbean waters and tighten sanctions on sanctioned vessels [1]. These moves accompany a broader campaign that has already targeted five drug‑smuggling boats and resulted in at least 115 deaths, according to U.S. officials [2].
Maduro refrains from immediate comment on the strike When asked about the CIA operation, Maduro said he could discuss it “in a few days,” indicating a cautious diplomatic posture while keeping the focus on future negotiations [2]. He did not address the specifics of the strike or its casualties, instead reiterating his demand for data‑backed talks [1][2]. This silence contrasts with former President Donald Trump’s public defense of the strikes as necessary to curb narcotics flow into the United States [1].
Discrepancies between coverage Newsweek highlights Trump’s remarks and the maritime quarantine, framing the U.S. actions as part of an expanded regional campaign [1]. The Associated Press article omits Trump’s comments and the quarantine detail, concentrating on the interview’s timing and the drone strike’s significance [2]. Both outlets agree on Maduro’s openness to talks and his refusal to comment immediately on the strike.
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Maduro Signals Openness to US Drug Pact, Invites American Oil Investment: Details Maduro’s willingness to negotiate, Trump’s defense of strikes, and the new maritime oil quarantine, emphasizing U.S. pressure tactics .
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2.
AP: Maduro Open to US Talks on Drug Trafficking, but Silent on CIA Strike: Focuses on Maduro’s data‑driven negotiation stance, the timing of the interview with U.S. boat strikes, and the CIA drone strike, without mentioning Trump or the oil quarantine .
Timeline
Dec 30, 2025 – Maduro posts on Telegram congratulating the Venezuelan military for downing 39 drug‑trafficking planes in 2025 and 430 since the anti‑drug law’s enactment, praising the territorial defense system and 24‑hour vigilance of anti‑aircraft divisions. [1]
Dec 31, 2025 – In a pretaped interview aired on state television on New Year’s Eve, Maduro signals willingness to discuss a U.S. drug‑trafficking agreement, frames any talks as “data‑driven and constructive,” and offers oil cooperation such as Chevron investment, while refusing to comment on the recent CIA strike. [2]
Dec 31, 2025 – The U.S. military announces strikes against five alleged drug‑smuggling boats, part of a broader campaign that has totaled 35 boat strikes and at least 115 deaths, escalating pressure on Venezuelan waters. [2]
Late Dec 2025 – The CIA conducts its first known drone strike on Venezuelan soil, targeting a docking area believed to be used by drug cartels, marking a new escalation in U.S. direct actions against Venezuela. [1]
Early Jan 2026 – The White House orders a maritime quarantine of Venezuelan oil exports, directing U.S. forces to interdict tankers and tighten sanctions on sanctioned vessels in Caribbean waters, intensifying economic pressure on Caracas. [1]
Jan 2, 2026 – Former President Trump defends the strikes, calling them “necessary” to stop narcotics flowing into the United States and noting the campaign’s expansion from Venezuela’s Caribbean coast to the eastern Pacific. [1]
Jan 2, 2026 – Maduro declares that the United States seeks regime change through “threats, intimidation and force,” reiterates his openness to data‑backed drug‑trafficking talks, and says Venezuela is ready for U.S. oil investment if terms suit Caracas. [2]