United States (U.S.) President, Donald Trump, has called off efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Venezuela, reported The New York Times, citing U.S. officials.
During a meeting with senior military leaders on Thursday, Trump instructed Richard Grenell, the special presidential envoy leading negotiations with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other top Venezuelan officials to stop talks.
He urged them to stop all diplomatic outreach, including talks with Maduro, the officials said on Monday.
According to the report, Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Maduro’s refusal to voluntarily give up power and with Venezuelan officials’ continued denial of their involvement in drug trafficking.
The move paved the way for a potential military escalation against drug traffickers or the government of Maduro, said the report.
Maduro has repeatedly accused the U.S. of using drug cartel threats as a pretext for regime change and military buildup in Latin America.
While some cocaine leaves South America through Venezuela, the country is not a main source of U.S.-bound drugs, according to a 2020 report from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
