Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise Following Alleged Ultimatum from Trump to Nicolás Maduro.

Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave the presidency – and flee the country – immediately.

As stated in accounts, the American president allegedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.

"You have the chance to protect yourself and those closest to you, but you have to depart from the nation right away," Trump reportedly declared, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign immediately."

However, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to step down right then and is said to have made a set of requests, such as worldwide immunity from prosecution and being allowed to cede political control while keeping command of the armed forces.

Recent Increase in Ongoing Two-Nation Tensions

This development marks the most recent heightening of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump reportedly met with his senior foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuela crisis, though details of that meeting were not made public.

Key Details from the Alleged Conversation

• Final Offer: Instant departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Alleged Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a rapid exit.
• Requests: Sought international immunity and ongoing control over the armed forces.
• Broader Context: This occurs amid a broader American pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan government.

Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly stating, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered further information about the subjects discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have happened in late November.