Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Intensify After Purported Demand from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.

Sources indicate that formerPresident Trump issued a blunt demand to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and flee the country – immediately.

According to accounts, the American president allegedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.

"You can protect yourself and those closest to you, but you must exit the nation now," the U.S. president reportedly declared, providing assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign without delay."

Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to relinquish power right then and reportedly presented a list of requests, including international amnesty and the right to cede civilian authority while retaining command of the armed forces.

Recent Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions

This exchange marks the most recent heightening of frictions between the two countries. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior foreign policy team to review the Venezuela crisis, though specifics of that gathering were not made public.

Salient Elements from the Reported Conversation

• Demand: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Alleged Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a rapid exit.
• Conditions: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
• Wider Situation: This occurs within a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government.

When questioned about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided additional details about the matters talked about during the remarkable dialogue, which is thought to have taken place in late November.