In a recent government meeting, officials engaged in a heated discussion regarding the United States' diplomatic strategy towards Venezuela, particularly in light of the ongoing leadership crisis under President Nicolás Maduro. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions and the perceived weakness of American diplomatic efforts in the region.

One official expressed frustration over the current approach, suggesting that Maduro is \"laughing at us\" while the U.S. struggles to assert its leadership role. The dialogue highlighted a sense of urgency for the U.S. to garner international support, with the official questioning why the U.S. is not taking a firmer stance against Maduro, especially in comparison to other regional leaders like Brazil and Colombia.

The conversation shifted to the use of sanctions as a primary tool in U.S. foreign policy. Officials confirmed that sanctions remain a critical component of their strategy, with recent actions taken on September 12. However, there was a call for a reassessment of the licenses granted to Venezuelan entities, with one official pressing for a pause on these licenses to send a stronger message to Maduro.

The legitimacy of Edmundo Gonzales Urrutia, who was recognized by some as the rightful president following recent elections, was also a focal point. While officials acknowledged that Gonzales won the election and had engaged in discussions with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, there was a push for the U.S. to publicly recognize him as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, akin to the previous recognition of Juan Guaidó.

The meeting underscored the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela, with officials grappling with the balance between sanctions, diplomatic recognition, and the need for a more assertive stance in the face of Maduro's regime. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions and the challenges the U.S. faces in navigating its role in Latin America.