U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he is considering a blockade or quarantine on Venezuela.
Trump did not provide specifics of the blockade or when it may happen.
When asked by a reporter whether he is considering a blockade or quarantine of Venezuela given the amount of involvement China and Iran have in the country, Trump answered: “Yes, I am.”
Trump made the remarks while departing the White House for a campaign rally in Cincinnati.
WATCH: Donald Trump – Venezuela is in flux
The U.S. has sided with Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim leader of the country along with over 50 other countries and has called on President Nicolas Maduro to step down.
So far, Trump’s administration has focused on diplomatic and economic pressure against Maduro while steering clear of military action.
Trump has put a number of escalating sanctions on Venezuela to pressure Maduro to step down. He previously declined to rule out military action.
U.S. officials have made it clear they are focussed on economic and diplomatic measures, and haven’t shown signs of taking up military options.
Washington’s Latin American allies have cautioned against military intervention.
Russia, China and Iran have expressed support for Maduro and Russia has deployed a small number of troops there.
-With files from Reuters
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