President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down all airspace over and around Venezuela has come to light alongside confirmation that he recently spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump announced the airspace closure in a public message, warning airlines, private pilots, and smugglers to stay clear of Venezuelan skies. The move follows a surge in U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, including recent strikes on vessels suspected of trafficking narcotics.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the phone call between Trump and Maduro touched on potential diplomatic engagement, though no details of any agreements or future talks have been released.
The airspace shutdown marks one of the most consequential steps the U.S. has taken against Venezuela in years, signaling heightened pressure on Caracas while leaving open the possibility of further communication between the two leaders.