Overview
- President Nicolás Maduro said Venezuela is prepared for negotiations with the United States on drug trafficking, oil and migration.
- Maduro signaled readiness for U.S. energy investment and cited Chevron as the model, noting the company’s licensed role in producing and exporting Venezuelan oil.
- The remarks came in an interview recorded on New Year’s Eve with journalist Ignacio Ramonet and broadcast on Venezuelan state television on January 1.
- U.S. pressure has intensified with a large regional deployment under Operation Southern Spear and roughly 35 strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, according to reported government figures.
- A reported U.S. attack on a Venezuelan port shortly before New Year’s remains unconfirmed by Maduro, as Trump accuses him of cartel ties and Maduro accuses Washington of seeking his ouster.