U.S. President Donald Trump says he recognizes Venezuela's opposition leader as interim president of the Latin American country.
Trump is also urging other world leaders to do the same.
For more on this and other news around the world we turn to our Ro Aram…
Aram… pressure just keeps mounting on President Nicolas Maduro to step down….
That's right Mark… Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets nationwide in protest against Maduro, but he is standing his ground by refusing to cede power.
His second term, which began earlier this month, has been widely considered illegitimate by the international community.
Venezuela's economy has also plummeted during the socialist leader's rule.
Opposition leader Juan Guaido has been calling on Venezuelans to rise up against Maduro.
He has also called on the country's military to disobey the government.
Speaking in Caracas Guaido vowed to lead a transition government and hold free elections.
Meanwhile at the White House, President Trump said all options were on the table regarding Maduro's government.
However, he did not elaborate on what those options were.
REPORTER: "You made an announcement about Venezuela today. Some administration officials told reporters on a conference call that all options are on the table. Are you considering military options for Venezuela?"
TRUMP: "We're not considering anything but all options are on the table."
REPORTER: "Does that mean that you're considering those--?"
TRUMP: "Which is: all options, always. All options are on the table."
In Trump's statement on Wednesday, he also called on other nations to join the U.S. in recognizing Guaido as interim president and a host of countries have done so.
Maduro, angered by Trump's stance, has given American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country after breaking diplomatic relations with Washington.
