President Trump said he might engage in diplomatic talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro but did not rule out military action against Venezuela, citing Maduro’s alleged role in drug trafficking and migration issues.

The U.S. recently deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford and conducted strikes on vessels suspected of transporting drugs, actions seen by some as pressure tactics on Maduro.

Analysts note the administration is signaling an ultimatum: engage in credible negotiations or face escalation, reflecting a “negotiating from strength” approach.

Maduro expressed openness to dialogue and rejected war, emphasizing diplomacy, while Venezuelans reacted with cautious skepticism and hope, the Associated Press has reported.

Trump also suggested he would not rule out military action against drug operations in Mexico or Colombia, underscoring the administration’s hardline stance on narcotics.