Trump Orders Blockade on Venezuelan Oil Tankers Amid Sanctions

President Trump announced a 'total and complete blockade' on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, intensifying his administration's pressure campaign against President Nicolas Maduro.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Venezuela as being surrounded by the largest naval force ever assembled in South America, suggesting that the military presence will continue to grow. The U.S. military recently seized a sanctioned oil tanker linked to a smuggling network, which has heightened tensions further.

The Maduro government condemned the blockade as a 'grotesque threat' and a violation of international law, alleging that the U.S. seeks to appropriate Venezuelan resources through lies. Trump has also designated the Maduro regime a foreign terrorist organization, citing alleged connections to drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism.

The U.S. military has increased its operations in the region, with reports of airstrikes targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking, although legal experts have questioned the legality of these actions.

The blockade could significantly disrupt Venezuela's oil exports, which are critical to its economy, as the country relies heavily on tankers for its oil trade. This move could have substantial implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and the global oil market as the Trump administration continues to escalate its military and economic pressure on Maduro's government.