A reported phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, followed by a declaration that Venezuelan airspace should be considered “closed,” has drawn international attention and marked a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between the two countries. The events, occurring in late November 2025, come amid an extended period of diplomatic strain and heightened security activity in the region.
Reported Call Between Trump and Maduro
Sources familiar with the matter state that President Trump and President Maduro held a direct phone conversation around November 21, 2025. The call reportedly focused on the future of Venezuela’s leadership and the possibility of a negotiated departure from office.
Reported U.S. Proposal
According to individuals with knowledge of the discussion, President Trump conveyed a direct message to Maduro, urging him to leave Venezuela. The United States reportedly offered safe passage for Maduro, his wife, and his son if he agreed to step down immediately.
President Trump later confirmed that a call took place. However, he did not provide details, stating only, “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly, it was a phone call.”
Reported Response from Maduro
Maduro reportedly declined the proposal and responded with conditions of his own. These included:
- A global amnesty for himself and members of his inner circle
- The ability to retain control of Venezuela’s armed forces, even if he permitted free elections
The reported counter-demands were not accepted by Washington, and the discussion concluded without further progress.
Airspace Closure Announcement
On November 29, President Trump posted a public warning stating that airspace above and around Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety.” The message was directed to “Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers,” referencing concerns about security and illicit activity in the region.
Effect on International Aviation
Although the United States does not have legal authority to close Venezuelan airspace, the announcement produced immediate effects:
- Several international airlines began rerouting flights to avoid the area.
- Existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisories about “heightened military activity” contributed to increased caution among carriers.
- The combined warnings resulted in widespread avoidance of Venezuelan airspace by commercial aviation operators.
These actions created a de facto suspension of many international civilian flights over Venezuela, despite the absence of a formal no-fly zone.
Response from Venezuela
The Venezuelan government issued a statement rejecting the U.S. declaration. Officials characterized the announcement as an extraterritorial measure and described it as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. Caracas reaffirmed that only the Venezuelan state has authority over its national airspace.
Ongoing Regional Activity
The developments follow several months of increased U.S. activity near Venezuela’s northern coast. This includes the deployment of U.S. naval assets and maritime operations targeting suspected narcotics trafficking. The events also occur against the backdrop of Venezuela’s internal political situation and continued international scrutiny of its governance.
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