Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated on Thursday that Venezuela is open to negotiating with the United States on matters of drug trafficking and oil, signaling a potential shift in relations amid escalating pressure from Washington. The offer for dialogue comes after months of U.S. sanctions and military activity in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific aimed at disrupting narcotics smuggling.

Maduro expressed his willingness to engage in talks with the U.S. "wherever they want and whenever they want," according to an interview on Venezuelan state TV. This development occurs within the context of what Maduro described as an ongoing U.S. campaign to force a change of government in Venezuela and gain access to its oil reserves, as reported by The Guardian.

While expressing openness to discussions, Maduro remained silent on reports of a U.S. attack on Venezuelan soil. When directly asked about the alleged CIA-led strike, Maduro responded, "this could be something we talk about in a few days," according to Al Jazeera. The BBC reported that it has contacted the White House for comment on the alleged attack.

The U.S. has been targeting vessels suspected of smuggling narcotics through the Caribbean and eastern Pacific for the past three months, according to the BBC. Maduro's recent statement marks a more conciliatory tone towards the U.S. amid the ongoing pressure campaign.