Overview
- In a televised New Year interview, Nicolás Maduro said Venezuela is ready to negotiate anti-narcotics cooperation, U.S. oil investment including Chevron, and renewed migration arrangements.
- Asked about President Donald Trump’s assertion of an attack on a drug-related port facility in Venezuela, Maduro neither confirmed nor denied it, while local reporting and officials say there is no evidence it occurred.
- U.S. Southern Command reported lethal Dec. 31 strikes on suspected narco-vessels in international waters, raising reported deaths from 2025 maritime operations to at least 115.
- Washington has intensified economic pressure with Treasury sanctions on four Venezuelan oil companies and the designation of four tankers as blocked property.
- China underscored its diplomatic support as Maduro hosted special envoy Qiu Xiaoqi in Caracas for a high-level meeting.