Frictions with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Purported Demand from Trump to Maduro.

Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave power – and exit the nation – immediately.

Per accounts, the American president allegedly conducted a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a prolonged pressure campaign that has included a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.

"You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you need to exit the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly said, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away."

Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to resign on the spot and is said to have made a set of conditions, including international amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while retaining control of the military.

Latest Increase in Long-Running Bilateral Strain

This development constitutes the latest increase of tensions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly held talks with his leading security officials to review the Venezuela situation, though details of that gathering have not been revealed.

Central Elements from the Alleged Exchange

• Ultimatum: Prompt resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Reported Refusal: Maduro did not accept the terms for a rapid exit.
• Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
• Wider Situation: This occurs during a wider American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.

Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided more information about the matters talked about during the remarkable exchange, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.