US President Donald Trump said Friday that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had offered major concessions to ease tensions with Washington and confirmed a new strike on a drug-smuggling vessel, which reportedly left survivors.

Washington accuses Maduro of heading a drug cartel and has deployed significant military assets -- including stealth warplanes and seven US Navy ships -- as part of what it says are counter-narcotics efforts in the region.

Maduro, an authoritarian socialist who is widely accused of stealing elections last year, claims Washington is plotting regime change.

Asked at the White House about reports that Caracas had floated de-escalation plans, Trump was scathing.

"He has offered everything, you're right. You know why? Because he doesn't want to fuck around with the Un

See Full Page