US officials, including President Donald Trump, have refused to rule out the possibility of open conflict with Venezuela, amid a significant military buildup in the Caribbean. The USS Iwo Jima, a US Navy amphibious assault ship, was docked in Ponce, Puerto Rico, earlier this week, as part of a large-scale deployment of US forces in the region.

In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump stated that going to war with the regime of President Nicolás Maduro remains a viable option, saying "I don't rule it out, no." This stance was echoed by other top Trump advisers, including Senator Marco Rubio, who said at a year-end press conference at the State Department that the US could coerce Maduro through its campaign of economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

The tensions between the US and Venezuela escalated after US forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker in the Caribbean, prompting Maduro to order his navy to escort all oil tankers in the region. The Venezuelan president has long been at odds with the US, which has imposed a series of economic sanctions on his government in an effort to pressure him to step down.

The US military buildup in the Caribbean has raised concerns among regional leaders, who fear that a conflict with Venezuela could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region. The Organization of American States (OAS) has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, while the European Union has urged caution and restraint.

The situation has also sparked concerns among human rights groups, who fear that a military intervention in Venezuela could lead to widespread human rights abuses and civilian casualties. "We are deeply concerned about the potential for a military conflict in Venezuela, which could have devastating consequences for the civilian population," said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch.

The US has maintained that its actions in the region are aimed at promoting democracy and stability, but Maduro's government has accused the US of attempting to overthrow him through military force. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down.

As the standoff continues, the international community is watching with growing concern, aware that a conflict in Venezuela could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region. The situation is likely to remain tense in the coming days, with both sides waiting to see how the other will react.