Trump confirms conversation with Venezuela's Maduro

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but did not provide details on what the two leaders discussed.

"I don't want to comment on it. The answer is yes," Trump said when asked if he had spoken with Maduro. He was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

The New York Times first reported Trump had spoken with Maduro earlier this month and discussed a possible meeting between them in the United States.

"I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call," Trump said regarding the conversation.

The revelation of the phone call comes as Trump continues to use bellicose rhetoric regarding Venezuela, while also entertaining the possibility of diplomacy.

On Saturday, Trump said the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered "closed in its entirety," but gave no further details, stirring anxiety and confusion in Caracas as his administration ramps up pressure on Maduro's government.

• Venezuela denounces Trump for declaring its airspace 'closed'
• Maduro's government condemns Trump's call to close Venezuelan airspace

When asked whether his airspace comments meant strikes against Venezuela were imminent, Trump said, "Don't read anything into it."

The Trump administration has been weighing Venezuela-related options to combat what it has portrayed as Maduro's role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans.

The socialist Venezuelan president has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade.

Reuters has reported the options under U.S. consideration include an attempt to overthrow Maduro, and that the U.S. military is poised for a new phase of operations after a massive military buildup in the Caribbean and nearly three months of strikes on suspected drug boats off Venezuela's coast.

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