Trump orders total blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers
Trump orders total blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers
Trump announces a 'total and complete' blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers in and out of Venezuela, escalating pressure on Maduro as oil assets come under renewed scrutiny.
President Donald Trump declared a 'total and complete' blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, saying Nicolás Maduro's government has been designated a foreign terrorist organization and accusing it of stealing US assets and engaging in terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
The move follows a week after the United States seized an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast and signals a further tightening of pressure on Caracas as Washington argues the goal is to curb illicit trade and corruption.
Venezuela's government rejected the threat, calling it a grotesque escalation and a violation of international law. Analysts warn the measure could disrupt short-term oil flows while complicating global shipping and drawing responses from allies.
Officials say the policy aims to deter drug trafficking and corruption by leveraging Venezuela's oil assets, and it is likely to echo through regional markets and diplomacy as neighboring countries monitor spillover effects.
