SUBHEADLINE: SOURCES SAY MADURO demanded FULL AMNESTY AND MILITARY CONTROL IN EXCHANGE FOR RESIGNATION — CONDITIONS THE U.S. REFUSED
Washington offered safe passage for Nicolás Maduro, Cilia Flores, and Flores’ son only if Maduro resigned and left Venezuela immediately. Maduro demanded total amnesty and continued military control. The U.S. rejected the proposal.
A proposed safe-passage agreement between the United States and Venezuela collapsed after Nicolás Maduro issued demands Washington refused to accept, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the negotiations. The U.S. reportedly offered safe transit out of Venezuela for Maduro, First Lady Cilia Flores and her son — but only on the condition that Maduro resign immediately and relinquish all authority.
Sources say Maduro responded by demanding full legal amnesty, ongoing control over the Venezuelan military, and additional time to negotiate the terms of his departure — conditions the U.S. declined. The request for military control was viewed by U.S. officials as incompatible with any transition plan.
The talks took place amid rising political tension, economic collapse, and renewed international pressure on the Maduro government. U.S. officials have previously explored off-ramps for Venezuelan leadership in hopes of facilitating a peaceful transition, but negotiations have repeatedly stalled over irreconcilable demands.
Regional analysts say Maduro’s counter-proposal underscored his intent to retain influence even if removed from office, while Washington insisted on immediate, verifiable withdrawal from power. The disagreement marks another failed attempt at diplomatic resolution after years of sanctions, recognition battles, and humanitarian concerns.
The U.S. continues to support a democratic transition in Venezuela and maintains that any safe-passage deal must fully end Maduro’s political authority. Venezuelan officials have not publicly commented on the reported negotiation breakdown.
As instability deepens across Venezuela, policymakers warn that options for peaceful resolution are narrowing without meaningful concessions from the Maduro government.
