Venezuela pleads with Trump over strikes

 Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called for direct negotiations with President Donald Trump in response to U.S. military strikes. Both leaders spoke by phone, which Maduro described as “cordial” and potentially a step toward dialogue. However, concrete negotiations were not established. Maduro has continued to appeal for peace and urged Washington not to escalate.

Despite those efforts, U.S. officials reportedly rejected Maduro’s negotiation requests and have maintained pressure. Maduro also expressed willingness to engage with Trump’s envoy, Richard Grenell, framing the dialogue as an opportunity to address U.S. concerns about drug trafficking.

Opposition leaders in Venezuela reported increased public demonstrations against Maduro’s regime, citing the strike as a catalyst for renewed calls for democratic reforms. Critics say there are also broader concerns beyond alleged drug trafficking, including human rights concerns, election integrity, and political repression.

Calls For Negotiation

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated, “Maduro denies being involved in narco-trafficking – referring to the allegations as ‘fake news, propagated through various media channels’ – and offers to engage in ‘a direct and frank conversation with your special envoy.’”

Maduro extended an invitation for dialogue, saying, “I respectfully invite you, President, to promote peace through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding throughout the hemisphere.”

Maduro has perceived U.S. military strikes as provocative acts. Venezuela conducted military exercises using Russian-built aircraft, while he maintained that the country remains free of drug-related issues.

Richard Grenell, Trump’s envoy, urged de-escalation to reduce tensions between the two nations. A Panterra poll indicated that 80% of Venezuelan opposition respondents believe family members in the U.S. would return if Maduro’s regime were replaced.

Opposition Protests And Polls

The Panterra poll noted, “The 70% of Venezuelans who are not ideologically aligned with the Maduro government feel a mix of hope for the future and fear over political repression.” It further stated, “More than half believe Maduro will be removed from power in fewer than six months, including 36% who believe he will be gone in under 3 months.”

Panterra added, “If the US supported regime change, [opponents] believe Venezuelans abroad would return home and that a democratic Venezuela would give the US a strong ally in Latin America.”

Some diplomatic experts say limited engagement could serve as a de-escalation tool and a means to extract concrete commitments, particularly on migration or election conditions.