Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro clarified this week that no second phone conversation occurred with former U.S. President Donald Trump, confirming only a single 10-minute discussion from November 2025. The statement comes amid renewed attention to bilateral tensions as both nations navigate post-2025 political landscapes.
During a televised interview, Maduro described the 2025 exchange as "respectful" but criticized subsequent U.S. policies as adversarial. "We seek peaceful coexistence with the American people," he emphasized, ruling out military escalation while acknowledging ongoing diplomatic challenges.
The clarification coincided with Maduro's New Year's address, where he asserted Venezuela's economic resilience despite external pressures. Official data reportedly shows 3.2% growth in non-oil sectors through 2025, which Caracas attributes to successful countermeasures against international sanctions.
Analysts note heightened nationalist rhetoric in Maduro's latest speeches, particularly his calls for unity against what he termed "neo-imperialist aggression." This follows recent U.S. Treasury Department actions targeting Venezuela's gold exports and cryptocurrency initiatives.
Regional observers await Washington's response to these developments, particularly regarding energy sector negotiations that stalled in late 2025. With Venezuela holding UN Security Council rotating membership through 2026, diplomatic engagements remain crucial for both nations' strategic interests.
