Part 2/12:
According to reports from the New York Times, President Trump ordered an immediate halt to negotiations with Nicolás Maduro's government. Previously, diplomatic efforts led by Richard Grenell had been focused on a tentative deal that would have allowed US companies access to Venezuela's oil industry, potentially avoiding direct conflict. However, Trump’s frustration grew over Maduro’s refusal to relinquish power and his denial of Venezuela's role in regional drug trafficking.