Edith Hejberg
The US has declared Venezuela’s airspace “completely closed” to American aircraft.
President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could strike any country involved in trafficking drugs across its borders.
During a White House briefing, he took aim at Colombia, saying: “If they come in through a certain country, any country… I hear Colombia is making cocaine… anybody doing that and selling it into our country is subject to attack.”
Sharp escalation as Venezuela enters the mix
Trump’s comments came as tensions escalated with neighbouring Venezuela.
The US has accused ships linked to Nicolás Maduro’s regime of smuggling drugs into the United States. In response, the Trump administration has doubled the bounty for information leading to Maduro’s capture.
Maduro refuses to back down during phone confrontation
According to reports, Trump demanded that Maduro step down and leave Venezuela during a recent phone call.
However, the Venezuelan leader is said to have refused outright. The White House has not confirmed the exact details of the call.
Venezuelan leader vows to ‘defend’ the nation
In defiant remarks following the call, Nicolás Maduro said he was ready “to defend [the country] and lead it to the path of peace.”
He accused the US of waging a psychological war, saying: “We have lived through 22 weeks of aggression that can only be described as psychological terrorism.”
Trump closes Venezuelan airspace as fears of war mount
The US has declared Venezuela’s airspace “completely closed” to American aircraft. The move has fuelled speculation that Washington is preparing for a more aggressive stance or even military intervention.
Secretive White House meeting sparks speculation
President Trump held a closed-door security meeting on Monday. While details remain undisclosed, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “There are many options at the president’s disposal… and I’ll let him speak on those.”
Analysts believe military action remains a real possibility.
US puts fresh pressure on South America
Trump’s broad warning wasn’t just for Venezuela. By naming Colombia directly in his drug trafficking comments, he appeared to widen the scope of US policy.
The threat of military action is now hanging over more than one nation in the region.
Trump’s approach faces domestic and international backlash
Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric is dangerously provocative. With no clear plan outlined, many fear his tough stance could backfire, igniting conflict and destabilising Latin America.
Allies in NATO and the EU have reportedly urged restraint.
Maduro offered exit deal, but only with conditions
Unconfirmed reports claim Trump offered Maduro safe passage out of Venezuela if he agreed to step down under three specific conditions.
The details of those conditions remain unclear, but the deal was ultimately rejected.
Trump’s war talk draws comparison to past interventions
Some analysts are comparing the current strategy to previous US-led interventions in the Middle East.
The aggressive tone, secrecy, and lack of public support are seen by critics as reminiscent of earlier conflicts that spiraled out of control.
Airstrikes not ruled out as diplomacy stalls
With negotiations going nowhere, Trump’s team has refused to rule out airstrikes or military incursions.
While officially no decisions have been made, the language from the White House suggests all options remain under consideration.
Maduro paints himself as a peace-seeker under attack
Despite widespread accusations of authoritarianism, Maduro continues to frame himself as a victim of foreign aggression.
He maintains that his country is facing economic and psychological warfare orchestrated by Washington.
Regional stability at risk as world watches closely
With both Trump and Maduro doubling down, the risk of open conflict is rising.
Latin America is on edge, and global powers are monitoring the situation carefully. As diplomacy falters, the next steps could reshape the region’s political future.
