Diosdado Cabello, who is considered the most-powerful man in Venezuela after President Nicolas Maduro, met last month in Caracas with someone who is in close contact with the Trump administration, said the official.

Cabello's influence in the government and security forces has expanded as Maduro's grip on power has weakened. But he's also been accused by US officials of being behind massive corruption, drug trafficking and even death threats against a sitting US senator.

The administration official, speaking anonymously, said that under no circumstances is the US looking to prop up Cabello or pave the way for him to substitute Maduro.

Instead, the goal is to ratchet up pressure on the regime by contributing to internal dissent among competing circles of power within the ruling party.

Venezuela's crisis has ground on as Juan Guaido, recognised by the US and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's rightful leader, has been unable to woo the military and take power, while Maduro lacks the strength to arrest his rival or rescue the collapsed economy.

This month, the US slapped a new round of sanctions that seises all of the Maduro government's assets in the US and threatens to punish companies from third countries that continue to do business with him.

Talks sponsored by Norway between the opposition and government were suspended by Maduro, who accused Guaido of celebrating the US' "brutal blockade."

Australian Associated Press