According to Fox News, prior to announcing the closure of Venezuelan airspace, President Trump held the phone conversation with Maduro, in which Washington demanded that Maduro immediately leave Venezuela while Caracas sought to hand over political control to the opposition but insisted on retaining command of the military.

President Trump offered to ensure the safe evacuation of Nicolas Maduro's wife and children, but only if the Venezuelan President agreed to step down.

Given the significant gap between the two sides' stances, tensions have sharply escalated. The US subsequently ratcheted up pressure by announcing the closure of Venezuelan airspace and signaling a readiness to undertake ground military actions.