Maduro Dodges U.S. Strike Claims, Signals Openness to Talks
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro avoided confirming that the United States had carried out an attack on a Venezuelan port facility, while signalling openness to dialogue with Washington.
A U.S. Navy C-2A Greyhound approaches to land at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport on December 30, 2025 in Ceiba, Puerto Rico.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro avoided confirming that the United States had carried out an attack on a Venezuelan port facility, while signalling openness to dialogue with Washington.
In an interview with state television last Thursday, Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro declined to confirm or deny U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States had struck a Venezuelan dock allegedly used for drug trafficking. “We may be able to talk about this in a few days,” he said, adding that Caracas was ready to cooperate “anywhere and anytime” if Washington was serious about negotiations.
Trump said the attack destroyed a coastal facility but did not specify whether it was a military or intelligence operation, or where it took place. Speculation was further fuelled by a statement from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who said the United States had bombed a facility in Maracaibo—a claim later denied by the head of a local chemical company. Maduro, meanwhile, said Venezuela had “defended itself well” during U.S. naval operations and that the population remained safe.
The United States has in recent weeks stepped up pressure on Caracas through sanctions, tanker seizures and naval strikes.
Maduro has argued that the campaign is not aimed at combating drug trafficking but at destabilising his government, claiming the United States seeks control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
