• Trump warns Maduro it would be "smart" for him to resign amid escalating US pressures.
• Russia and China condemn the US's actions, pledging support for Maduro's government.
• The US military is enhancing its presence in the Caribbean, thwarting Venezuelan oil exports.
• Maduro urges Trump to focus on domestic issues instead of threatening Venezuela.
• Concerns grow over the legality and humanitarian impact of US military actions in the region.

US President Donald Trump has intensified his pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, suggesting during a press conference that it “would be smart” for Maduro to step down. This warning aligns with the ongoing efforts to enforce a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports, which are crucial to the nation's economy, according to Channel News Asia and ABC News.

Trump’s remarks came as the US Coast Guard pursued a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela, emphasizing the administration's determination to halt oil shipments from the beleaguered South American nation. He reiterated that if Maduro "plays tough," it would be the last time he’s able to do so, signaling a willingness to escalate military actions in the region, according to Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.

In response, Maduro has criticized Trump's threats and advised him to focus on the economic and social challenges within the United States. He claimed that the pressure on Venezuela's oil industry was a test of resilience and asserted his nation's intention to continue honoring international agreements despite sanctions. Maduro's statements come amidst a backdrop of significant military buildup by the US in the Caribbean, which he deemed an act of "international piracy" aimed at regime change, according to Channel News Asia, Anadolu Agency, and ABC News.

Meanwhile, both Russia and China have voiced their firm support for Maduro's government, condemning the US actions as violations of international law. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that US military interventions could have serious regional repercussions. Both allied nations are coordinating their response at the United Nations to discuss what they term as "ongoing US aggression" against Venezuela, reporting Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The US military's recent actions in the region, including targeted strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, have resulted in significant casualties and raised legal questions regarding their legality. Critics from both sides of the political aisle have questioned the administration’s justification for these strikes, which have allegedly led to the deaths of over 100 individuals, according to Anadolu Agency and ABC News.