Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s fierce criticism of the Trump administration’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has pushed Colombia into a delicate standoff with its most important ally, even as both sides move to dial back tensions.

Petro denounced the U.S. operation as an “abhorrent” violation of sovereignty and compared it to a “spectacle of death,” drawing some of the harshest condemnation of Washington from any world leader. His rhetoric escalated after President Donald Trump said a U.S. military operation in Colombia “sounds good.”

Thousands rallied across Colombia Wednesday after Petro called for protests to defend national sovereignty. But the president surprised supporters by softening his tone after a last-minute phone call with Trump.

“I had one speech prepared for today, but I have to give another one,” Petro told the crowd. “The first speech was quite harsh. I had to change it.”

Petro said he urged Trump to restore direct dialogue, warning, “If there is no dialogue, there will be war.” Trump later described the call as a “Great Honor” and invited Petro to the White House.

Despite months of insults, sanctions threats and visa revocations, both leaders appear eager to protect a relationship vital to U.S. counternarcotics efforts and Colombia’s security, underscoring how political pragmatism has tempered an explosive confrontation.