Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated Tuesday that the country stands “on the cusp of a new era” without President Nicolas Maduro. Her comments come as Maduro expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States.
Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has maintained a low profile since challenging the results of the recent presidential election, made her statement amidst escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Washington accuses Maduro of heading a “narcotics gang” and has been conducting strikes against boats suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, resulting in numerous casualties.
President Trump recently stated that Maduro’s days are numbered, refusing to rule out sending ground troops while simultaneously expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue.
In a video posted on social media, Machado asserted that “the abuse of power by the regime is nearing its end.” She pledged to hold secure and transparent elections in a post-Maduro era, arguing that Venezuela will not fully recover until those who have committed crimes against humanity are held accountable before the law and history.
In a press conference Monday, Maduro declared that his country is and will remain a nation of peace, expressing his readiness for face-to-face dialogue with any U.S. official. He added, “Whoever wishes to engage in dialogue with Venezuela will find us here and will find an honest people who keep their promises, but whoever comes to us with fifty thousand soldiers and destructive plans will find war in every Venezuelan city.” He also suggested that Trump’s political career would end if the United States launched an attack on Venezuela.
Maduro affirmed that Venezuela’s military units are prepared to face all possibilities, noting that certain entities are inciting Trump against Venezuela. When asked if he had decided to launch a military operation against Venezuela, Trump responded, “I cannot tell you that, but there are some ideas related to this subject.”
These developments coincide with reports in the American press indicating that senior military officials have presented Trump with updated military options.
