The United States reportedly issued a stark warning to Nicolás Maduro, demanding his immediate resignation from the Venezuelan presidency. During a recent phone call, President Donald Trump presented an ultimatum: Maduro could save himself and his inner circle, but only if he stepped down immediately and agreed to a global amnesty for himself and his allies. However, Maduro refused to comply, insisting on immunity from prosecution and control over the armed forces. This response comes after Trump's four-month pressure campaign, including a massive naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
Despite the tension, many observers doubt that Trump will resort to military action. A source familiar with Venezuelan officials told the Wall Street Journal that Maduro and his allies view the US military threats as a bluff. This skepticism is further supported by the lack of direct contact between Trump and Maduro since the initial call, with Maduro requesting a second call that went unanswered.
Maduro's resilience is not new. Since his election in 2013, he has weathered numerous crises, including mass protests, an economic meltdown, an assassination attempt, and a presidential election loss, which many believe he did not accept gracefully. The Wall Street Journal's editorial board urged Trump to continue applying pressure, stating that deposing Maduro is in the US national interest. Meanwhile, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro proposed a peaceful solution by offering Cartagena as a potential meeting place for talks between Maduro's regime and the Venezuelan opposition.
Maduro's response to the US's demands was published in a letter to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, accusing the US of seeking to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves through military force.
