Venezuela's Maduro 'ready to talk' as US ramps up pressure

November 18, 2025

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Trump administration officials amid escalating U.S. military and economic pressure on his government. The Trump administration has intensified its campaign against Maduro by doubling the bounty on him to $50 million, launching Operation Southern Spear that has killed over 80 people in strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels, and deploying major naval assets including the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier. Washington plans to designate the alleged Venezuelan drug cartel "Cartel de los Soles" as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation on November 24th, which some interpret as an ultimatum for Maduro to negotiate.

Who is affected

Nicolás Maduro and his administration
The Trump administration and U.S. government representatives
More than 80 people killed in U.S. strikes on suspected vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado (in hiding)
Venezuelan military personnel
Political prisoners and detainees in Venezuela
U.S. citizens (referenced regarding material support restrictions)
The Venezuelan people
Members of the alleged "Cartel de los Soles" drug trafficking organization

What action is being taken

The U.S. is conducting "Operation Southern Spear," a counternarcotics operation striking suspected drug-trafficking boats
The U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and other military assets
Maduro is making public appearances addressing the U.S. people directly, sometimes speaking and singing in English
María Corina Machado is posting from an undisclosed location in Venezuela and encouraging the Venezuelan military to switch sides
The U.S. state department is preparing to designate "Cartel de los Soles" as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (with implementation set for November 24th)

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations with potential for military conflict, as the massive U.S. military deployment and Trump's refusal to rule out ground troops suggest possible regime change intentions beyond stated counternarcotics goals. The planned Foreign Terrorist Organisation designation could provide legal justification for expanded U.S. military operations on Venezuelan soil, potentially affecting regional stability in South America and the Caribbean. The crisis also has humanitarian implications, with dozens already killed in naval strikes and Machado's allegations of crimes against humanity against political prisoners. Additionally, the effectiveness of these measures on actual drug trafficking remains questionable, as most drugs enter the U.S. through the Mexico land border, raising concerns about the proportionality and true objectives of the operation.

What's next

The U.S. state department's designation of "Cartel de los Soles" as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation will become effective on November 24th
Potential face-to-face talks between Maduro and Trump administration representatives (both leaders have expressed openness to dialogue)
Possible further U.S. military actions, as Trump has not ruled out deploying ground forces to Venezuela

Read full article from source: BBC