Caracas, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed on Wednesday that he held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump approximately 10 days ago, describing the exchange as "respectful and cordial" during a public event broadcast on state-run Venezolana de Televisión. The revelation, which Trump had briefly acknowledged over the weekend with minimal details, comes at a critical juncture as military frictions between Washington and Caracas reach new heights, including U.S. naval deployments, lethal strikes on suspected drug vessels, and a recent declaration closing Venezuelan airspace.
Maduro, speaking to supporters at a ceremony swearing in new community organizations, framed the call as a possible step toward de-escalation. "I spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump," he said. "I can say that the conversation was in a tone of respect. I can even say that it was cordial between the President of the United States and the President of Venezuela." He expressed optimism about future diplomatic engagement, adding, "If that call means that steps are being taken toward respectful dialogue between states, between countries, then dialogue is welcome, diplomacy is welcome, because we will always seek peace." To underscore his point, Maduro switched to English: "Welcome dialogue, welcome diplomats, welcome peace. Peace, yes. War, never, never in your life."
The call, reportedly initiated by the White House, occurred around November 24, 2025. Trump, during a Thanksgiving video address to U.S. troops on November 27, confirmed the conversation but offered little insight. "I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call," he remarked, declining to elaborate on the substance. However, the discussion reportedly centered on Maduro's potential exit from power. Maduro proposed leaving Venezuela in exchange for full legal amnesty for himself and up to 100 officials, the lifting of all U.S. sanctions, and safe passage to a friendly nation, possibly Russia. He also reportedly requested retention of approximately $200 million in personal assets. Trump rejected these demands and issued an ultimatum for Maduro to relinquish power immediately, though no firm public deadline was set beyond a one-week window that expired on December 1.
This diplomatic overture unfolds against a backdrop of unprecedented U.S. military posturing in the Caribbean, which the Trump administration justifies as a counter-narcotics operation but which Venezuelan officials decry as a pretext for regime change and seizure of the country’s vast oil reserves. Tensions spiked dramatically last Saturday, November 29, when Trump announced that the airspace "above and surrounding Venezuela" should be considered "closed in its entirety." In a post addressed to "all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers," he declared the airspace off-limits. The declaration, which lacks legal authority over sovereign Venezuelan airspace under international law, prompted an immediate rebuke from Caracas. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil labeled it a "colonialist threat" that undermines territorial integrity, aeronautical security, and full sovereignty.
The Federal Aviation Administration had already issued an advisory on November 22 warning of a "worsening security situation" and "heightened military activity" in Venezuelan airspace, leading several international airlines to suspend flights. Venezuela retaliated by revoking operating rights for six major carriers. While hundreds of regional flights continued through the area after the announcement, major U.S. and European airlines rerouted to avoid risks. The practical effect has been to further isolate Venezuela economically.
This airspace edict follows a broader U.S. military buildup that began in August 2025. Citing the need to dismantle drug trafficking networks, the Pentagon deployed a fleet of warships to the Caribbean, including destroyers and, by mid-November, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, accompanied by over 4,000 sailors, F-35 fighter jets, and a nuclear-powered submarine. Approximately 15,000 U.S. troops are now stationed across bases in Puerto Rico, Honduras, Aruba, and Curaçao—less than 200 kilometers from Venezuela’s coast. The operation has been dubbed "Operation Southern Spear" by the Defense Department.
The most controversial element has been a series of at least 21 U.S. airstrikes on boats suspected of transporting narcotics since early September, resulting in at least 83 deaths. The campaign began with a strike on September 2 that killed 11 people off Venezuela’s coast, targeting a vessel allegedly operated by the Tren de Aragua gang. Subsequent attacks expanded to the Eastern Pacific near Colombia and Ecuador. Some strikes employed a "double-tap" tactic—an initial hit followed by a second strike on survivors in the water—raising serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law. The U.S. has recovered over 19 tons of cocaine from wreckage but has provided limited public evidence linking specific targets to drug trafficking.
On November 24, the State Department designated the so-called "Cartel de los Soles," allegedly led by Maduro himself, as a foreign terrorist organization, unlocking broader sanctions and operational flexibility. Bounties of $50 million on Maduro and $25 million on key allies like Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello remain active.
Earlier this week, Trump reiterated warnings of an imminent expansion to land-based targets. In his Thanksgiving address, he stated that the U.S. would soon begin stopping drug trafficking "by land also," adding, "The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon. We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country." This has been interpreted as a threat of strikes on Venezuelan ports, airstrips, or inland facilities.
From Caracas’ perspective, these actions have nothing to do with drugs and everything to do with oil. Maduro’s government accuses Washington of using anti-narcotics rhetoric as cover for preparations to seize control of Venezuela’s estimated 300 billion barrels of proven reserves—the largest in the world—and to unlawfully remove the socialist leader from power. Maduro, who has survived economic collapse, massive protests, and a disputed 2024 election, reportedly rotates sleeping locations and uses burner phones amid heightened assassination fears.
International reactions remain divided. Russia and Iran have condemned U.S. "imperialism," while Colombia and the Dominican Republic have urged restraint over fears of regional spillover. The United Kingdom has reportedly halted intelligence sharing on maritime targets, deeming the strikes illegal under international law.
As of December 4, no additional phone calls between the two leaders have been confirmed. Maduro continues to publicly welcome dialogue, but with U.S. warships patrolling just offshore, fighter jets overhead, and Venezuelan airspace effectively contested, the gap between rhetoric and reality appears wider than ever. Whether the brief "cordial" conversation marks the beginning of a negotiated off-ramp or simply a pause before further escalation remains unclear.
