WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump told his advisers he is planning to speak directly with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington designated him as the head of a terrorist organization Monday, the Axios news site reported.

Citing US administration officials, Axios reported that Trump's decision is an important milestone in his gunboat diplomacy aimed at Venezuela — and could be a sign that US missile strikes or direct military action on land are not imminent.

"Nobody is planning to go in and shoot him or snatch him — at this point. I wouldn't say never, but that's not the plan right now," said one official familiar with the discussions, according to Axios.

"In the meantime, we're going to blow up boats shipping drugs. We're going to stop the drug trafficking," the official added.

Citing another US official, Axios said no date has been set for a call between Trump and Maduro, which is "in the planning stages."

"Maduro is a narcoterrorist. Always lead with that word if you want to represent the president's thinking," the administration official was quoted as saying.

The US on Monday formally designated the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO).

The United States has for months been expanding military operations across Latin America, deploying Marines, warships, fighter and bomber jets, submarines and drones amid speculation that the US could launch an attack on Venezuela, though Trump said Friday that he would soon speak with Maduro.

Maduro has said Venezuela is ready for “face-to-face” dialogue with Washington.