A recent report from The New York Times disclosed that former President Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro engaged in a clandestine phone conversation last week. This revelation was based on information from sources directly familiar with the exchange.
The discussion between the two leaders reportedly included the possibility of a meeting on U.S. soil, although no official date has been set at this time.
If this meeting were to occur, it would mark an unprecedented encounter between a U.S. president and the Venezuelan leader, whom Washington has repeatedly deemed illegitimate.
According to White House officials quoted by the newspaper, Trump did not view military and diplomatic approaches towards Venezuela as mutually exclusive.
This news arrives shortly after Trump threatened to extend U.S. military operations in the Caribbean to include land targets in Venezuela, following weeks of actions against alleged narco-trafficking vessels.
"The terrain is easier, and that will start very soon," Trump stated on Thursday, emphasizing that he would not rule out any options to "eradicate the threat of narco-terrorism in the hemisphere."
Since September, the U.S. has been conducting numerous strikes on ships allegedly tied to drug trafficking as part of Operation "Southern Spear."
Human rights organizations and experts have condemned these actions as "extrajudicial executions."
The Trump administration has labeled Maduro as the head of the "Cartel of the Suns," a drug trafficking organization that the Venezuelan government denies exists.
However, the leaked conversation hints at a dual strategy: maintaining military pressure while exploring diplomatic channels.
Meanwhile, Reuters cited other sources indicating that the CIA has ramped up covert operations in Venezuela to "prepare political transition options," which may include potential actions to unseat Maduro.
Additionally, The Washington Post reported on Friday that the Pentagon authorized "double tap" strikes—repeated bombings to eliminate survivors—against ships in the Caribbean. This directive allegedly came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Pentagon has denied these allegations, but the information has heightened concerns about the legality of U.S. operations in the region and their potential humanitarian impact.
Neighboring countries like Colombia have criticized these U.S. maneuvers and called for investigations.
In response, Maduro led a military parade in Caracas on Monday, accusing Washington of "preparing an invasion" and asserting that Venezuela "will not yield to threats."
"We do not want war, but if attacked, we will respond with the full might of the nation," Maduro declared during the event at Fuerte Tiuna.
International analysts warn that tensions between Washington and Caracas have reached their highest point in years, with an increasing risk of direct confrontation in the Caribbean.
Key Developments in U.S.-Venezuela Relations
What was the purpose of Trump and Maduro's phone call?
The phone call reportedly discussed the possibility of a future meeting between the two leaders in the United States.
What is Operation "Southern Spear"?
Operation "Southern Spear" is a U.S. military initiative targeting vessels in the Caribbean believed to be involved in drug trafficking.
How has Venezuela responded to U.S. military threats?
Venezuela, under Maduro's leadership, has conducted military parades and accused the U.S. of preparing an invasion, vowing to defend against any attacks.