Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed on Wednesday, 4 December 2025, that he held a “cordial” phone conversation with former United States President Donald Trump late last month, signaling a potential thaw in relations amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. The announcement comes as the United States has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, sparking fears of conflict in the region.

Speaking on state-run Venezolana de Televisión, Maduro said he decided to clarify the phone call after international media reports, emphasizing his desire to avoid what he described as “microphone diplomacy.”

“During my six years as foreign minister, I learned diplomatic prudence, and then, in these years as president, with the experience of being foreign minister and having been mentored by our Commander Chavez, I value prudence,” Maduro said, referring to the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, under whom he previously served as foreign minister.

Maduro added, “I don’t like diplomacy with microphones; when there are important matters, they must be handled quietly until they are resolved.”

A Step Towards Respectful Dialogue?

The Venezuelan leader expressed hope that the call could mark the beginning of a “respectful dialogue” between Caracas and Washington. He stressed that Venezuela would always prioritize peace but maintained that any agreement must uphold the nation’s sovereignty, dignity, and independence.

“With the favour of God and our Commander of Commanders, Our Lord Jesus Christ, everything will go well for the peace, independence, dignity, and future of Venezuela,” Maduro said.

Maduro also noted he would refrain from providing further details about the conversation, emphasizing the importance of prudence and respect in diplomatic communications.

Trump’s Perspective on the Call

Earlier, Trump had publicly acknowledged the call without revealing specifics. Speaking at a White House news conference, Trump said:

“I spoke to him briefly, just told him a couple of things, and we’ll see what happens with that. Venezuela sends us drugs, but Venezuela sends us people that they shouldn’t be sending.”

The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance toward Venezuela, deploying the world’s largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean, targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling, and threatening strikes on Venezuelan territory. Officials frame these actions as part of a drug interdiction campaign, despite Venezuela producing only a small portion of the world’s cocaine. According to US government estimates, Venezuela served as a transit point for 10-13 percent of global cocaine production in 2020.

Maduro’s Accusations and Vision for Peace

Maduro has consistently accused the Trump administration of using the anti-drug campaign as a pretext to destabilize his government and seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

In a recent address to supporters in Caracas, Maduro reiterated that Venezuela seeks peace—but only one that respects the country’s sovereignty and equality.

“We do not want a slave’s peace, nor the peace of colonies! Colony, never! Slaves, never!” he declared.

This rhetoric underscores Venezuela’s longstanding stance against perceived US interference, while signaling a willingness to engage in diplomacy if approached respectfully.

Looking Ahead

The phone call between Maduro and Trump could be a tentative first step toward easing tensions, but significant obstacles remain. US-Venezuela relations have been strained for years over sanctions, allegations of corruption, and control of the nation’s oil industry. Analysts suggest that future dialogue may hinge on compromises related to security, drug trafficking, and economic sanctions.

As tensions in the Caribbean continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring interactions between Caracas and Washington, hoping for measures that prevent escalation and promote long-term stability in the region.