Trump Says US May Hold Talks With Venezuela’s Maduro

Advanced | November 25, 2025

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US–Venezuela talks: A Surprising Shift in Relations

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled on November 18, 2025, that the United States may be open to holding talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, marking a notable shift as US–Venezuela talks become a real possibility, from years of hostile relations. Despite previously labeling Maduro a “dictator” and backing Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaidó, Trump told reporters that negotiations were “possible” under the right circumstances. (Reuters)

Why Talks Are Back on the Table

According to Reuters, the idea of renewed engagement and the prospect of US–Venezuela talks comes as the U.S. continues to navigate geopolitical tensions in Latin America and global energy uncertainty. Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves, giving it strategic leverage despite years of sanctions and economic crisis. Trump said discussions would depend on “mutual respect” and “real democratic reforms,” though he did not outline specific conditions. (Reuters)

Maduro Responds With Caution

Maduro, who has long accused the U.S. of “economic warfare,” gave a cautious response during a televised broadcast. He said Venezuela was “ready to talk” but only if the U.S. ended sanctions and recognized his government’s sovereignty. Analysts say both leaders may be posturing politically, but the mention of new talks reflects a wider shift in regional diplomacy. (BBC)

What Happens Next?

Policy experts told Reuters that any formal dialogue would face major obstacles: the U.S. still recognizes Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, and human-rights groups claim that Maduro continues to suppress political dissent. However, strategically timed negotiations could benefit both sides—Venezuela seeks economic relief, while the U.S. wants to stabilize migration and regional security. (Reuters)

Vocabulary

Sanctions (noun) – penalties imposed by one country on another.
- Example: The U.S. placed sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector.
Engagement (noun) – communication or involvement between parties.
- Example: Renewed engagement could ease tensions.
Geopolitical (adjective) – related to politics influenced by geography.
- Example: Geopolitical pressure shapes U.S. strategy.
Leverage (noun) – influence or advantage.
- Example: Venezuela’s oil reserves give it leverage.
Sovereignty (noun) – a nation’s right to govern itself.
- Example: Maduro demanded respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Economic crisis (noun) – a severe financial downturn.
- Example: Venezuela has faced a long economic crisis.
Posturing (noun) – acting strategically to influence others.
- Example: Analysts believe both sides are posturing.
Dialogue (noun) – formal conversation or negotiation.
- Example: Dialogue between the countries remains uncertain.
Dissent (noun) – opposition to official policies.
- Example: Critics say dissent is punished in Venezuela.
Migration (noun) – the movement of people from one place to another.
- Example: The U.S. hopes talks could reduce migration pressures.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What did Trump say about the possibility of U.S.–Venezuela talks?
Why might the U.S. consider reopening diplomatic discussions now?
How did Maduro respond to Trump’s comments?
What challenges would formal negotiations face?
How could these talks affect regional stability?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should the U.S. negotiate with leaders accused of human-rights abuses?
How do sanctions impact political reform in authoritarian countries?
What role does oil play in international diplomacy?
Can diplomatic talks succeed when neither side fully trusts the other?
How does political posturing affect global negotiations?

Related Idiom

“Extend an olive branch” – to offer peace or reconciliation.
Example: Trump’s comments may be seen as extending an olive branch to Venezuela after years of tension.

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This article was inspired by: Reuters, BBC.