Frictions with Venezuela Escalate Following Purported Demand from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.

It is alleged that ex-President Trump delivered a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish office – and flee the country – without delay.

As stated in reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained diplomatic offensive that has featured a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.

"You can protect yourself and your inner circle, but you have to exit the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly said, offering assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down immediately."

Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to step down immediately and is said to have made a series of conditions, such as worldwide amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while keeping command of the military.

Latest Increase in Ongoing Two-Nation Tensions

This development represents the most recent heightening of tensions between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading national security advisers to review the Venezuela situation, though particulars of that meeting were not revealed.

Salient Elements from the Reported Exchange

• Ultimatum: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Alleged Rejection: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a rapid exit.
• Requests: Sought global amnesty and ongoing control over the armed forces.
• Wider Situation: This takes place during a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan administration.

When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have released more particulars about the subjects talked about during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.