In a move that’s sure to set the world abuzz, President Donald Trump has once again thrown diplomatic norms out the window by refusing to rule out military action against Venezuela. The president’s latest comments have sent the rumor mill into overdrive, with many now openly speculating that the US is gearing up for a direct showdown with Nicolas Maduro’s embattled regime.

During a headline-grabbing NBC News interview, Trump was asked point-blank if he’d consider launching a war against Venezuela. His answer? A blunt, “I don’t rule it out, no.” The message couldn’t be clearer: the Trump administration is keeping all options open, and the world is watching.

This bombshell comes on the heels of a major US naval build-up in the Caribbean, widely interpreted as a not-so-subtle threat to Maduro. The US recently seized a Venezuelan oil tanker and blocked others, moves the White House claims are part of a crackdown on illegal oil shipments and drug trafficking. Critics, however, see it as classic American muscle-flexing.

For months, US forces have been targeting boats they say are smuggling drugs, resulting in dozens of deaths. Human rights groups and foreign governments are raising red flags about the violence and the risk to civilians, but the Trump administration seems undeterred.

The White House has been relentless in its attacks on Maduro, accusing him of running a corrupt dictatorship funded by “stolen” oil and drug money. These allegations have paved the way for a barrage of sanctions and other punitive measures, all aimed at squeezing Venezuela’s leadership and economy.

Maduro, unsurprisingly, isn’t taking this lying down. He’s fired back, accusing the US of trying to topple his government and grab Venezuela’s massive oil reserves. According to Maduro, Washington’s sanctions are nothing short of economic warfare, designed to bring his country to its knees.

When pressed about his endgame, Trump played coy, refusing to say outright whether he wants Maduro gone. “He knows exactly what I want. He knows better than anybody,” Trump teased, leaving pundits and politicians alike guessing about his true intentions.

Trump didn’t stop there. He warned that more Venezuelan oil tankers could be seized if they dare to operate near US-controlled waters. “If they’re foolish enough to be sailing along, they’ll be sailing along back into one of our harbours,” he threatened, making it clear that the pressure campaign is far from over.

Venezuela’s once-mighty oil industry is now a shadow of its former self, crippled by years of mismanagement and international sanctions. Most of its oil now goes to China, a development that has US officials on edge. The growing ties between Caracas, Beijing, and even Moscow are seen as a direct challenge to American interests in the region.

Experts say Trump’s tough talk is all about keeping Venezuela’s resources,and its alliances,out of the hands of America’s rivals. “The idea that you have this country, with oil, and minerals, and rare earths in our hemisphere and its main allies being China and Russia, that’s something that doesn’t really fit into Trump’s view of the world,” said David Smilde, a Venezuela watcher.

Despite the mounting threats, Maduro’s government is digging in its heels. Officials in Caracas insist that no amount of US pressure will force them to change course, and they’re vowing to keep selling oil to whoever will buy it.

With tensions at a boiling point, Trump’s refusal to take military action off the table is raising the stakes for Venezuela and the entire region. Whether this is just more tough talk or a prelude to something bigger, one thing is certain: the world is watching, and the consequences could be huge.