Between Dialogue and Threat: Maduro Offers "Face-to-Face" Meeting with Trump, Who Does Not Rule Out "Military Action"

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Monday his readiness to meet and talk "face-to-face" with US President Donald Trump, amid escalating tensions following the US military deployment in the Caribbean, which Washington claims is aimed at combating drug trafficking.

Maduro Offers Dialogue

During his weekly program, Maduro affirmed he is open to dialogue with any party in the United States "without any problem," but warned of the grave consequences of military intervention:

• Call for Peace: Maduro stated: "Yes to peace! No to war!..." He called for dialogue, stressing that any US military action would be "the biggest mistake of his (Trump's) life" and the "political end of his leadership."

• Warning: Maduro cautioned against "spheres of influence," which he did not name, in the United States that are pressuring Trump to commit this mistake.

Trump Opens Diplomatic Door but Keeps Force Option Open

Maduro's remarks came hours after Trump also announced on Monday his willingness to speak with Maduro, while simultaneously not ruling out the option of military action against Venezuela.

• Trump's Stance: When asked about military action, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: "I don't rule it out. I don't rule anything out."

• Linking Maduro to Narcotics: Trump linked Maduro to drugs and migrants entering the United States, saying: "He has done tremendous damage to his country... He hasn't been good to the United States, so we'll see what happens."

Context of Military Tensions

This diplomatic and military escalation coincides with the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its escorting warships in the Caribbean. Caracas accuses Washington that its military buildup and recent strikes against suspected drug-carrying vessels (which have resulted in at least 83 deaths) are, in reality, aimed at overthrowing Maduro from power.