Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise Following Reported Demand from Donald Trump to Venezuela's Leader.

Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump conveyed a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and flee the nation – immediately.

As stated in reports, the American president reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.

"You can save yourself and your family, but you have to leave the nation right away," the U.S. president reportedly said, providing safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he consented to resign without delay."

Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to relinquish power immediately and is said to have made a set of conditions, such as international immunity from prosecution and being allowed to give up political control while retaining control of the armed forces.

Latest Increase in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain

This incident constitutes the latest increase of frictions between the two countries. Recently, Trump reportedly met with his top security officials to review the Venezuela situation, though details of that discussion have not been disclosed.

Salient Elements from the Alleged Exchange

• Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Alleged Declination: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a rapid exit.
• Requests: Sought international immunity and ongoing control over the military.
• Broader Context: This occurs amid a broader U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at removing the Venezuelan regime.

Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional particulars about the topics talked about during the extraordinary exchange, which is believed to have happened in late November.