United States President Donald Trump has directed his diplomats to halt engagement with Venezuela, potentially signaling readiness for military escalation or a move to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power, reported the New York Times. The decision follows heightened tensions, with the U.S. arguing that Maduro’s government is complicit in illicit drug trafficking operations. Trump reportedly conveyed the directive to his special envoy Richard Grenell during a meeting with military leaders, expressing frustration over Maduro’s unwillingness to step down. The NYT noted that officials have outlined military options that could be used to force Maduro from, power. Before the cut-off of diplomatic ties, Grenell had been pursuing a deal to avoid broader conflict and to grant American companies access to Venezuelan oil. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio deemed the efforts unhelpful. The U.S. has claimed to have destroyed several drug boats off Venezuela’s coast, resulting in over a dozen casualties. Officials have branded Maduro as a key drug kingpin, while publicly Trump denies seeking regime change in the region. Maduro has rebuffed these accusations, characterizing Washington’s actions as an effort to overthrow his government and warned that an attack would lead to an armed struggle.