CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela is open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking, the South American country’s President Nicolás Maduro said in a pretaped interview aired Thursday on state television, but he declined to comment on a CIA-led strike last week at a Venezuelan docking area that the Trump governance believed was used by cartels.

Maduro in an interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, reiterated that the U.S. wants to force a government change in Venezuela.

Chevron Remains Sole Major Oil Company Exporting Venezuelan Crude to U.S.

Chevron Corp. is currently the only major oil company exporting crude from Venezuela to the United States. Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

This activity comes as the U.S. military has conducted strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, bringing the total number of known strikes to 35 and resulting in at least 115 fatalities, including Venezuelan citizens, according to the Trump administration. The interview detailing this situation was taped on New year’s Eve, coinciding with the announcement of the latest military actions.

U.S. Weighs Military Options Against Venezuela Amidst Political Crisis

WASHINGTON – The United States is reportedly considering a range of military options in response to the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, according to senior administration officials. This escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to oust president Nicolás Maduro have stalled and the situation within Venezuela continues to deteriorate.

While officials remain tight-lipped about specific plans, discussions reportedly include bolstering the U.S. military presence in the region, increasing naval patrols in the Caribbean Sea, and providing further support to Venezuelan opposition groups. A full-scale military intervention remains a less favored, but still considered, option.

The potential for military action is fueled by growing concerns over the Maduro regime’s human rights abuses, its suppression of democratic institutions, and its alleged ties to criminal organizations. The U.S. government, along with dozens of other countries, recognizes Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela.

“We are not ruling anything out,” stated a senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “All options are on the table to ensure the safety and security of U.S. citizens, to protect regional stability, and to support the venezuelan people’s efforts to restore democracy.”

However, military intervention carries significant risks. Experts warn that a U.S. military operation could trigger a wider regional conflict,potentially involving Cuba,Russia,and China,all of which maintain close ties with the Maduro government. Furthermore, intervention could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, leading to increased suffering and displacement.

The Trump administration has already imposed a series of economic sanctions on Venezuela, targeting government officials, state-owned oil company PDVSA, and the country’s financial sector. These sanctions have crippled the Venezuelan economy, but have failed to force Maduro from power.

The current deliberations also involve coordinating with regional allies,including Colombia,Brazil,and Chile,who share concerns about the situation in Venezuela. The U.S. is seeking a unified front to increase pressure on the Maduro regime and to prepare for potential contingencies.

The administration’s consideration of military options coincides with an intensified administration’s pressure campaign on Madurowho has been charged with narco-terrorism in the U.S.