Nicolás Maduro has publicly confirmed a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, amid a military escalation in the Caribbean, attacks against alleged drug trafficking vessels, and a growing crisis in air connectivity in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan leader described the call as "cordial" and conducted "in a tone of respect," which has been interpreted by analysts and international media as a possible first step towards the reestablishment of a diplomatic channel between the two countries, severed since 2019.
During a televised broadcast from Petare, one of the popular neighborhoods in Caracas, Maduro broke his silence regarding the conversation, which, according to him, took place “about ten days ago,” placing the dialogue around November 21-23.
"About ten days ago, someone from the White House called the Miraflores Palace. I had a phone conversation with President Donald Trump," he stated.
The discourse of "diplomatic prudence"
Maduro justified the delay in confirming the call by highlighting his experience as foreign minister during Hugo Chávez's government: “I learned diplomatic prudence. I appreciate caution; I don't like microphone diplomacy. When important matters arise, they must remain silent until they are finalized.”
The Venezuelan leader insisted on the need to reopen a path of understanding: “If this call means that steps are being taken towards a respectful dialogue from State to State, country to country, then dialogue is welcome, diplomacy is welcome, because we will always seek peace.”
A conversation in the midst of the storm
The phone contact took place during one of the most tense moments in the bilateral relationship in recent years.
In recent weeks, the United States has intensified its military deployment in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, carrying out at least 21 bombardments against vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, according to the Pentagon.
These attacks would have resulted in the deaths of at least 82 people.
In addition, the Trump administration has issued warnings to airlines regarding Venezuelan airspace, deeming it "a potentially dangerous situation."
In response, Venezuela revoked the operation concessions of eight international airlines, including the Spanish ones Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra.
While Trump insists that these actions "go far beyond" a pressure campaign against Maduro, the Chavista leader denounces a deliberate attempt at overthrow and an affront to national sovereignty.
"The path of the people of the United States and the people of Venezuela must be one of respect, diplomacy, and dialogue," Maduro reiterated.
Rumors and leaks: Was there more than just a phone call?
Since the exchange between the two leaders became known, leaks and speculations about the possible terms discussed have increased.
According to Reuters and other U.S. media, Maduro has reportedly offered to step down under certain conditions: an amnesty for himself and his family, the lifting of sanctions against high-ranking officials, and the establishment of an interim government led by his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez.
However, these reports have not been confirmed by any of those involved.
In contrast, sources quoted by The New York Times and El País insist that the conversation was "correct" and could be interpreted as a first step towards broader dialogue, although it did not result in any concrete agreement or immediate plans for an in-person meeting.
The existence of the contact had already been confirmed by Trump days earlier.
"I don't want to comment on that. The answer is yes. I wouldn't say it went well or poorly. It was a phone call," he stated briefly to the press. The U.S. president briefly referenced the call again on Wednesday, assuring that he discussed "a couple of issues" with Maduro, and added, "We'll see what happens."
Although neither of the two leaders has revealed details about the content of the conversation, the mere confirmation of contact has sparked a flurry of speculation regarding its implications.
Trump has denied that a second conversation with Maduro took place, as some circles had speculated. However, observers suggest that, had it occurred, both parties would have agreed to keep it confidential.
Contradictory signals amidst the crisis
The context in which this contact occurs is alarming. In August, Trump raised the reward for the capture of Maduro to 50 million dollars, formally accusing him of narco-terrorism as the leader of the so-called "Cartel of the Suns," an alleged criminal organization embedded within the Venezuelan military and government structures.
Caracas, for its part, has repeatedly accused Washington of seeking a "regime change."
Meanwhile, in the same appearance where he discussed the call with Trump, Maduro confirmed the resumption of flights with migrants deported from the United States, noting that one of those flights would be landing that Wednesday in Maiquetía.
This indicates that, beyond the rhetorical confrontation and sanctions, certain operational channels remain open between both governments.
A turning point?
The conversation between Maduro and Trump, however brief and concise it may have been, represents a temporary impasse in a landscape dominated by tension, hostility, and mutual distrust.
While the U.S. military machinery continues reconnaissance flights near Venezuela and drug enforcement operations take place, Chavismo carefully refrains from addressing Trump directly with hostility, delegating that role to its most loyal spokespersons.
Maduro seems to be opting for a restrained rhetoric, appealing to diplomacy, even as mutual accusations intensify.
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