White House Rejects Maduro's Dialogue Request Amid US-Venezuela Tensions

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denied U.S. accusations of drug trafficking and called for direct dialogue with President Donald Trump to ease tensions between the two countries. Maduro, through a letter delivered by Trump's envoy Richard Grenell, dismissed allegations tying his government to drug smuggling as "completely unfounded" and supported his claims with U.N. data and Venezuelan military drug interdictions. The U.S. has responded with increased military operations in the Caribbean, including strikes on suspected drug boats, which Venezuela has condemned as a military threat and "undeclared war." Despite Maduro's overture, the White House has rejected talks, maintaining a hard stance amid escalating conflict. The strained relationship between the two nations has been marked by long-standing political opposition, sanctions targeting Venezuelan officials, and concerns over Venezuela's governance and human rights record. The ongoing situation highlights the deep geopolitical tensions and diverging narratives over drug trafficking and regional security.