Maduro Offers Direct Talks with US Amid Tensions over Drug Trafficking Claims

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has extended an offer for direct dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump to ease escalating tensions following U.S. military strikes targeting alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers. In a letter dated September 6, Maduro dismissed U.S. accusations that Venezuela is a major drug transit hub, emphasizing that only a small percentage of Colombian drugs pass through Venezuela and that most are intercepted by Venezuelan authorities. He proposed discussions through Trump's special envoy, Richard Grenell, citing past successful cooperation on migrant deportation issues. Despite the U.S. military actions, including strikes that resulted in casualties among suspected narcoterrorists, diplomatic channels have remained partially open, with deportation flights continuing. Maduro condemned the U.S. military operations as misinformation aimed at justifying potential armed conflict, warning of severe consequences. The Trump administration maintains its stance on Venezuelan involvement in drug trafficking, although it has not provided concrete evidence for the allegations.