Maduro seeks 'serious talks' with Trump after reported US strike

Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro urged Donald Trump to begin 'serious talks' and declined to confirm reports of a pre-Christmas US airstrike that US media have linked to the CIA.

Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro has called for dialogue and diplomacy with the United States and urged Donald Trump to begin 'serious talks'. Maduro also told viewers to reject what he described as 'illegal warmongering'. He declined to confirm media reports of a pre-Christmas US airstrike, which US outlets have reported and linked to the CIA. Trump has said the US struck a docking facility used by suspected drug-trafficking boats last month. Key points: - Maduro publicly called for 'serious talks' with Donald Trump and pushed for dialogue and diplomacy between Caracas and Washington. - Maduro declined to confirm reports of a pre-Christmas US airstrike; US media have reported the CIA was involved. - The US has said it struck a docking facility used by suspected drug-trafficking boats; the overall status and official confirmation of the reports are undetermined. Summary: The exchange underscores continued tension between Washington and Caracas and Maduro's public appeal for talks. The claims about the reported airstrike remain unresolved, and any official confirmation or formal diplomatic or legal follow-up is undetermined at this time.