Trump Imposes Blockade on Venezuelan Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Tensions

Wed Dec 17 2025 08:02:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a bold move, President Trump has ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers related to Venezuela, citing terrorism and human trafficking concerns. This comes as military tensions rise in the Caribbean.

President Trump has announced a comprehensive blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, branding the Maduro regime as a 'foreign terrorist organization'. Citing issues like drug trafficking and the misappropriation of U.S. assets, Trump's declaration escalates the already strained relations between Washington and Caracas. Following recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, this blockade signals a shift in approach towards managing Venezuela's significant oil reserves amid ongoing geopolitical conflict.

US President Donald Trump has announced a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro's government as a foreign terrorist organization, accusing it of theft, terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

Trump emphasized the blockade after the U.S. recently seized an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast. His comments highlighted that Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in South America, asserting that this military presence would expand and provide unprecedented oversight over Venezuelan activities.

According to Trump, Maduro's regime has been financing itself through the sale of stolen oil, enabling drug trafficking, murder, and human smuggling. The U.S. military has been enhancing its presence in the region, conducting operations that have already resulted in the death of at least 90 individuals linked to drug smuggling.

Venezuela, home to some of the world's largest oil reserves, has continually accused the U.S. of attempting to seize its resources. The Trump administration, along with ongoing efforts from President Biden, has faced Maduro's government with unyielding sanctions, targeting not only the regime itself but also its allies and businesses. Recent actions included fresh sanctions against six ships carrying Venezuelan oil and the announcement of a tanker seizure.

The latest U.S military buildup included thousands of troops and the positioning of the USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, within striking distance of Venezuela, raising the stakes in this rapidly evolving conflict.

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