Trump Confirms Late‑November Call With Maduro, Orders Full Venezuelan Airspace Closure
Updated (2 articles)
Phone Call Confirmation and Airspace Shutdown President Donald Trump announced on December 1, 2025 that he spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in late November, confirming the call without revealing its content, and simultaneously declared the entire Venezuelan airspace closed to all traffic [1][2]. He posted the airspace directive on Truth Social, urging airlines, pilots, and even criminal networks to treat the zone as inaccessible. The announcement heightened concerns of imminent U.S. military action, though Trump cautioned observers not to overinterpret the statement.
Operation Southern Spear Buildup and Anti‑Drug Strikes The United States has positioned more than a dozen warships and roughly 15,000 troops throughout the Caribbean under Operation Southern Spear, a force intended to disrupt alleged drug‑trafficking networks linked to Maduro’s regime [1][2]. Since September, U.S. forces have executed at least 21 strikes on suspected drug vessels, killing a minimum of 83 individuals, according to Reuters and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth [1]. The military presence remains steady, with no indication of withdrawal or de‑escalation.
Terrorist Designation, CIA Plans, and Potential Land Operations The Trump administration designated Maduro’s government as a foreign terrorist organization, expanding the legal options for U.S. action [2]. Officials disclosed that Trump approved plans for CIA activities inside Venezuela as part of the broader pressure campaign. Additionally, Trump hinted that land‑based strikes could commence soon, signaling a possible escalation beyond aerial and maritime measures [2].
Maduro’s Defiant Response and Ongoing Tensions Nicolás Maduro rejected U.S. accusations, denying any narcotrafficking ties and framing the American moves as an imperialist attempt to seize Venezuela’s resources [1][2]. He mobilized supporters through rallies and called for national unity against what he described as an external threat. Neither side has signaled a willingness to de‑escalate, leaving the confrontation unresolved.
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Trump Confirms Phone Call with Maduro Amid Rising Tensions: Details Trump’s November call with Maduro, the full airspace closure, Operation Southern Spear deployment, recent anti‑drug strikes, and Maduro’s denial of drug links, emphasizing the lack of de‑escalation
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2.
CNN: Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace Closed, Intensifies Pressure Campaign: Highlights the airspace directive, CIA plans, foreign terrorist designation, hints at land strikes, and mentions the phone call while noting diplomatic dynamics
Timeline
Sept 2025 – U.S. forces carry out at least 21 strikes on suspected drug‑running vessels in the Caribbean, killing ≈ 83 people, as part of anti‑drug operations linked to Maduro’s government; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls the strikes lawful. [2]
Nov 29, 2025 – Trump posts on Truth Social urging airlines, pilots and criminal networks to treat Venezuelan airspace as closed, declaring it “closed in its entirety” and signaling heightened pressure on Maduro. [1][2]
Nov 29, 2025 – Trump signs off on plans for CIA activity inside Venezuela, expanding covert operations as part of the broader campaign against the Maduro regime. [1]
Nov 29, 2025 – The United States designates Nicolás Maduro and his government as a foreign terrorist organization, broadening potential U.S. military options against Venezuela. [1]
Nov 29, 2025 – Trump hints that land strikes in Venezuela could begin soon, arguing a stronger approach to curb drug trafficking while suggesting that scaled or resumed talks could occur. [1]
Nov 29, 2025 – The U.S. deploys more than a dozen warships and about 15,000 troops in the region under Operation Southern Spear, intensifying the military presence around Venezuela. [1][2]
Late Nov 2025 – Trump confirms he spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by phone, but declines to disclose details, maintaining the “closed in its entirety” stance on Venezuelan airspace. [2]
Dec 1, 2025 – Maduro denounces U.S. actions as “imperialistic” and “colonialist,” mobilizes supporters in rallies and frames the pressure campaign as an attempt to seize Venezuela’s natural resources. [2]
2025 (future) – U.S. officials indicate that scaled or resumed diplomatic talks could follow the heightened pressure, while near‑term land‑action against Venezuela remains a possibility. [1]