Mon Dec 01 23:30:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the provided text as a news article:

Summary:

Tensions between the US and Venezuela are escalating. President Trump is considering options, including potential military action, to address what he sees as a threat from the Maduro government. The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, accusing Maduro of leading a drug cartel and questioning the legitimacy of his presidency. Maduro rejects what he calls a “slave’s peace,” asserting Venezuela’s sovereignty. Recent US airstrikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats have drawn controversy.

News Article:

U.S. Weighs Options as Venezuela Tensions Rise; Maduro Rejects “Slave’s Peace”

Washington D.C. – The White House is actively considering its options regarding Venezuela as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. President Donald Trump convened a meeting with his top national security officials on Monday to discuss the situation, following weeks of heightened rhetoric and increased military activity in the Caribbean.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the meeting but declined to specify potential actions, including the possibility of deploying U.S. troops on Venezuelan soil. “There’s options at the president’s disposal that are on the table, and I’ll let him speak on those,” she stated.

The build-up follows accusations by the U.S. that President Nicolas Maduro leads a drug cartel and the designation of his government as illegitimate. The U.S. military presence in the region has been bolstered, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier. Washington claims the increased military presence is to curb drug trafficking, while Venezuela accuses the U.S. of seeking regime change.

President Maduro, addressing supporters at a rally in Caracas, rejected any compromise that would compromise Venezuelan sovereignty. “We want peace, but peace with sovereignty, equality, freedom! We do not want a slave’s peace, nor the peace of colonies,” he declared.

Recent controversial U.S. airstrikes targeting suspected drug-ferrying boats have also come under scrutiny, with concerns raised about civilian casualties and potential violations of international law. President Trump has stated he will “look into” claims of a “double-tap” strike that killed survivors clinging to a burning boat.

Senator Markwayne Mullin revealed that the U.S. has reportedly offered President Maduro safe passage out of Venezuela, potentially to Russia or another country. While President Trump has confirmed speaking with Maduro, the nature of the conversation remains unclear, though it has been suggested it involved conditions for his resignation.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant consequences for both Venezuela and the region.

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