Experts warned Trump's Caribbean military deployment diverts critical resources, as Venezuela crisis tests the limits of diplomatic pressure tactics.

The U.S. pressure campaign against Venezuela has led "elements within the Cuban regime" to reach out to the U.S. about what the region would look like without President Nicolas Maduro leading Venezuela,

Joesley Batista, co-owner of a sprawling business empire led by the meat-processing giant JBS NV, is quietly positioning himself as a connector trying to defuse political tensions between the Trump administration and Venezuela’s ruling regime.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as the Trump administration continues striking down alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.

Dec 1 (Reuters) - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is running out of options to step down and leave his country under U.S.-guaranteed safe passage, following a short call with U.S. President Donald Trump last month where Trump refused a series of requests from the Venezuelan leader, according to four sources briefed on the call.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday defiantly dismissed increasing pressure from the U.S., telling the people of his country he would remain steadfast and swearing "absolute loyalty" to them.

The president has warned that the United States could soon expand its attacks from boats near the coast to targets inside Venezuela, but he has also spoken by phone to its leader.

On the streets of Doral, the prospect of Trump's military intervention in Venezuela is welcomed with open arms.

The Venezuelan President has denied any ties to the illegal drug trade, and his government has condemned Trump’s warning that the country’s air space should be considered closed as a “colonialist threat” and “yet another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people.”

President Trump delivered an ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, demanding immediate resignation and safe passage for his family or face consequences.