UPDATE: President Donald Trump has issued an urgent ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, demanding his immediate resignation during a tense phone call, according to sources. In a dramatic response, Maduro has closed the airspace over Venezuela, escalating tensions between the two nations.
The phone call took place earlier this week and was confirmed by Trump, who stated, “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly, it was a phone call.” However, sources informed the Miami Herald that Trump delivered a blunt message to Maduro: “You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now.” This ultimatum is part of a months-long pressure campaign aimed at forcing Maduro from power.
Trump extended an offer of safe passage for Maduro, his wife, and his son, contingent on their agreement to resign immediately. Instead, Maduro countered with three demands, all of which Trump rejected. Sources revealed that Maduro requested global amnesty for any crimes committed by him and his administration, control over the armed forces, and the promise of free elections, similar to a past deal in Nicaragua.
The call was facilitated by international mediators from Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey, but Maduro’s government has since attempted to initiate further talks, which have failed. In a striking move, Trump announced on social media that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela is to be considered “closed in its entirety.” His post on Truth Social read, “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE CLOSED.”
This escalation comes on the heels of the U.S. State Department’s designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This designation categorizes Maduro, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López alongside notorious groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS. It grants the Trump administration expanded authority to consider military action without needing additional congressional approval.
As tensions rise, the impact on Venezuelan citizens is immediate and concerning. The closure of airspace may hinder humanitarian efforts, affecting food and medical supply deliveries amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
WHAT’S NEXT: The international community is closely monitoring the situation. Analysts suggest that continued refusal by Maduro to step down could lead to increased military pressure from the U.S. and its allies. The administration’s next moves will be critical in determining the future of Venezuela and its people.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
