Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise After Purported Demand from President Trump to Nicolás Maduro.

It is alleged that formerPresident Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon the presidency – and exit the country – without delay.

Per reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.

"You can protect yourself and those closest to you, but you must exit the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly said, providing safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he consented to resign immediately."

However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to relinquish power immediately and is said to have presented a set of conditions, such as international legal immunity and the right to give up political control while retaining control of the armed forces.

New Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Two-Nation Strain

This development represents the latest increase of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly convened with his leading national security advisers to review the Venezuela issue, though specifics of that meeting have not been revealed.

Key Elements from the Reported Exchange

• Demand: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
• Alleged Refusal: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a fast exit.
• Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the military.
• Broader Context: This occurs during a broader American pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.

Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered additional information about the topics discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is believed to have occurred in late November.