Trump Ends Venezuela Diplomatic Talks Amid Military Escalation Plans

President Donald Trump has officially ended all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, instructing his special envoy Richard Grenell to cease negotiations with President Nicolás Maduro amid growing frustration over Maduro's refusal to step down and denials of involvement in drug trafficking. This move signals a potential escalation toward military action, including plans to target drug cartels and possibly remove Maduro from power, as the U.S. has already conducted multiple strikes on suspected narcotics trafficking vessels near Venezuelan waters. Trump has declared the ongoing conflict with drug cartels a "non-international armed conflict," granting him broader wartime powers to strike cartel targets without trial, and warned that future operations may extend from sea to land. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials have labeled Maduro an illegitimate leader and fugitive from American justice, underscoring the administration's hardline stance. Maduro has condemned U.S. military actions as armed aggression and vowed to mobilize militias if necessary, while Venezuela has lodged complaints with the U.N. over U.S. incursions. The situation remains tense with the U.S. preparing military contingency plans, including the possible seizure of Venezuelan ports and airfields to combat drug trafficking and cartel influence.