Maduro confirms phone call with Trump as US military buildup stirs fears of conflict

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has confirmed that he spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone late last month, a rare thawing of communication as US warships surge through the Caribbean and tensions between the two governments remain razor-tight.

Maduro said he chose to disclose the call only now to avoid fueling speculation.

“During my six years as foreign minister, I learned diplomatic prudence,” he told state TV on Wednesday.  “I don’t like diplomacy with microphones; when there are important matters, they must be handled quietly until they are resolved!”

He described the conversation as “cordial” and framed it as a possible opening for “respectful dialogue,” though declined to offer details.

“With the favour of God and our Commander of Commanders, Our Lord Jesus Christ, everything will go well for the peace, independence, dignity, and future of Venezuela,” he said, then stopped talking, insisting prudence was the wiser path.

Trump, speaking separately at the White House, confirmed the brief exchange but kept things vague.

“I spoke to him briefly, just told him a couple of things, and we’ll see what happens with that,” he said, adding, “Venezuela sends us drugs, but Venezuela sends us people that they shouldn’t be sending.”

The call landed in the middle of Washington’s most aggressive posture toward Caracas in years. The Trump administration has deployed the world’s largest aircraft carrier to the region, destroyed suspected smuggling vessels and openly threatened strikes inside Venezuela, all under the banner of fighting narcotics trafficking. Maduro says the campaign is a smokescreen for regime change and the seizure of Venezuela’s oil wealth.

At a rally in Caracas this week, he made the stakes clear.

“We do not want a slave’s peace, nor the peace of colonies! Colony, never! Slaves, never!”