Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Intensify Following Reported Demand from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.

Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump conveyed a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave the presidency – and flee the country – without delay.

According to accounts, the American president reportedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a prolonged pressure campaign that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.

"You can protect yourself and those closest to you, but you must depart from the country immediately," the U.S. president reportedly said, promising safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down immediately."

Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to step down right then and is said to have made a list of conditions, including global immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while maintaining control of the military.

Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Two-Nation Strain

This exchange marks the most recent escalation of frictions between the two nations. Recently, Trump reportedly convened with his senior national security advisers to review the Venezuelan situation, though details of that meeting have not been made public.

Key Points from the Alleged Exchange

• Demand: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a rapid exit.
• Counter-Demands: Sought global amnesty and ongoing control over the army.
• Broader Context: This occurs within a larger American pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.

Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered more details about the subjects talked about during the remarkable dialogue, which is thought to have happened in late November.