 "Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Reuters")
President Donald Trump on Friday said he expects to speak soon with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as the United States continues to demonstrate a significant military presence in the region.
“I’ll be speaking to him in the not-too-distant future,” Trump told Fox News in an interview.
He declined to reveal the substance of the planned conversation, adding only: “I can’t tell you what I’m going to tell him, but I have something very specific to say.”
Pressed for further details, Trump refused to elaborate but said the United States would be “very much involved” in developments surrounding Venezuela.
US officials have briefed the president on potential military options inside the country, though Trump has also suggested he remains open to a diplomatic path, signalling that increased pressure could persuade Maduro to step aside without the need for direct intervention.
Washington has accused President Nicolás Maduro of running a “terrorist” drug cartel — an allegation he firmly rejects.
For its part, Venezuela claims the United States is attempting to force regime change in Caracas, pointing to the recent military buildup that includes an aircraft carrier group, warships and several stealth jets.
With inputs from agencies