Erdogan Urges Maduro To Keep Dialogue With U.S. Open

Overview

• The Turkish presidency said Erdogan spoke by phone with Nicolás Maduro and stressed the importance of keeping channels with Washington open.
• Regional fears persist after U.S. deployments to Caribbean waters since August and at least 22 strikes on vessels the Trump administration described as linked to drug trafficking, with 87 reported deaths.
• Washington frames the operations as counter-narcotics, while Caracas alleges they aim to remove Maduro and seize Venezuela’s oil wealth.
• Turkey, Qatar and Brazil have been cited in reporting as working to prevent escalation, and Colombia previously offered Cartagena as a venue for talks.
• Venezuela’s readout said Erdogan voiced deep concern over recent threats and that both discussed restoring the Caracas–Istanbul route after widespread flight suspensions tied to increased military activity.