Trump leaves military action against Venezuela on table

Washington: President Donald Trump on Monday did not rule out military action against Venezuela despite bringing up a potential diplomatic opening with leader

Nicolás Maduro, who has insisted that a US military buildup and strikes on alleged drug boats near his South American country are designed to push him out of office.

Trump reiterated that he “probably would talk to” Maduro, but underscored that he is not taking

off the table the possibility of military action on Venezuelan territory. Hours later, Maduro said he is open to

dialogue with the Trump administration.

“I don’t rule out that. I don’t rule out anything,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office a day after he first floated the possibility of having “discussions” with Maduro.

Trump, however, sidestepped questions about whether Maduro could say anything to him that would lead to the US backing off its military show of force. agencies