Trump and Maduro reportedly talk meeting while US tightens grip on Caracas - NYT
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (Photo: Getty Images)
Last week, US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to discuss a potential meeting, according to the New York Times.
NYT, citing sources, reports that Trump and Maduro discussed the possibility of a meeting over the phone, although no plans are in place for the near future.
Following the conversation, no agreement was reached on holding a leaders’ meeting, one of the sources told the outlet.
The call, which involved Secretary of State Marco Rubio, took place amid increased US military and diplomatic pressure on Venezuela.
According to the NYT, a State Department decision recognizing the Cartel de los Soles - linked to Maduro - as a foreign terrorist organization is set to take effect in a few days.
In Caracas, officials have responded by accusing the US of ridiculous lies, asserting that such a cartel does not exist.
US actions against Venezuela
On the eve of the call, Trump said that the US would very soon begin taking measures to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land.
Earlier, Reuters reported that the Trump administration plans to launch a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days.
However, journalists have not been able to determine the exact timing or scale of the new operations, nor whether Trump has made a final decision to act.
Previously, Trump ordered the deployment of the Southern Spear operation in the Western Hemisphere - effectively near Venezuela.
Since returning to power in 2025, President Trump has stated that one of his priorities is fighting drugs, including fentanyl. He has identified Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro as the main drug lord.
