Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Escalate In the Wake of Alleged Final Offer from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.

Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump delivered a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish power – and exit the nation – immediately.

According to reports, the American president supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has featured a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.

"You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you must depart from the nation immediately," Trump reportedly said, providing assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down immediately."

Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to step down right then and is said to have presented a list of conditions, such as global legal immunity and the right to give up political control while retaining control of the armed forces.

Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Bilateral Strain

This incident marks the most recent heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly met with his top national security advisers to review the Venezuela issue, though details of that gathering have not been made public.

Central Details from the Reported Conversation

• Final Offer: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Alleged Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the offer for a rapid exit.
• Conditions: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the army.
• Broader Context: This occurs amid a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan regime.

When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have provided more particulars about the subjects discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly occurred in late November.