Frictions with Venezuela Intensify After Reported Demand from Donald Trump to Maduro.

Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave power – and flee the country – without delay.

As stated in reports, the American president supposedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.

"You have the chance to secure your safety and your inner circle, but you must leave the nation right away," the U.S. president allegedly declared, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign immediately."

However, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to relinquish power immediately and reportedly presented a series of conditions, such as worldwide amnesty and being allowed to give up political control while retaining command of the armed forces.

Latest Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain

This incident represents the latest escalation of strains between the two countries. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading national security advisers to discuss the Venezuela crisis, though particulars of that discussion were not revealed.

Central Points from the Alleged Exchange

• Demand: Prompt departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
• Alleged Rejection: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a fast exit.
• Requests: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the army.
• Broader Context: This takes place amid a larger American diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan administration.

Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have released further particulars about the subjects discussed during the remarkable exchange, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.