Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated on Thursday his willingness to engage in discussions with the United States concerning drug trafficking and oil, amidst increasing pressure from Washington. Maduro announced his openness to dialogue "wherever they want and whenever they want" in an interview with Venezuelan state TV, according to Reuters.

Maduro's statement comes after weeks of escalating pressure from the U.S. government, including increased military activity targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. U.S. forces have been hitting vessels they suspect of smuggling narcotics through the Caribbean and eastern Pacific for the past three months, according to the BBC.

While expressing a desire for talks, Maduro evaded a question regarding a reported U.S. strike on a docking facility within Venezuela, allegedly carried out by the CIA. The Guardian reported that Maduro reiterated his belief that the U.S. aims to force a change of government in Venezuela and gain access to its extensive oil reserves.

Drawing from multiple news sources, Maduro has expressed openness to dialogue with the U.S. regarding drug trafficking, oil, and migration amidst escalating pressure and recent U.S. military actions targeting alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, including a reported CIA drone strike within Venezuela. While the U.S. has increased its efforts to combat drug influx and even offered a reward for Maduro's capture, Maduro neither confirmed nor denied the reported attack, suggesting it could be discussed later.