Trump confirms phone call with Maduro

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday he had recently spoken with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro amid soaring tensions between the two countries.

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US President Donald Trump speaks to the press aboard 'Air Force One' en route to Washington on Sunday.

(AFP)

The USis piling the pressure on Venezuela, with a major military buildup in the Caribbean, the designation of an alleged drug cartel run by Mr Maduro as a terrorist group, and an ominous warning from Mr Trump that Venezuelan airspace is “closed”.

Washington says the aim of the military deployment launched in September is to curb drug trafficking in the region, but Caracas insists regime change is the ultimate goal.

“T wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call)” Mr Trump told reporters on Sunday aboard Air Force One.

The New York Times reported on Friday that Mr Trump and Mr Maduro had discussed a possible meeting, while The Wall Street Journal said on Saturday that the conversation also included conditions of amnesty if Mr Maduro were to step down.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin said Sunday told CNN that the US has offered Mr Maduro the chance to leave his country for Russia or elsewhere.