Overview
- President Trump said the United States could hold discussions with Nicolás Maduro and asserted Venezuela “would like to talk,” offering no dates or negotiators.
- The State Department designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization shortly before Trump's remarks.
- Caracas has repeatedly rejected the U.S. allegations linking the group to Maduro, calling the cartel an invention.
- Trump said the designation allows potential targeting of Maduro’s assets or infrastructure in Venezuela, while stressing he has not said he will act.
- The opening to dialogue comes as a recent U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean heightens tensions, with Mexico reiterating its opposition to invasions and its willingness to assist.