White House defends seizure of oil tanker near Venezuela

NBC NewsThursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:06:33 PM
NeutralU.S News
White House defends seizure of oil tanker near Venezuela
  • The White House has defended the recent seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the U.S. intends to take possession of the oil aboard the vessel. An investigative team is currently collecting evidence and conducting interviews related to the operation.
  • This seizure represents a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region, aligning with the Trump administration's ongoing strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government, which has faced sanctions and international scrutiny.
  • The action has drawn sharp criticism from Venezuelan officials, who have labeled it as 'piracy' and 'theft,' reflecting the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. This incident underscores the broader geopolitical struggle involving oil resources and the U.S. stance on sanctioned entities operating in international waters.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
Maduro sings, dances and threatens to 'smash the teeth' of the 'North American empire'
NegativeU.S News
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has escalated tensions with the United States by vowing to 'smash the teeth' of the 'North American empire' following the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast. This incident marks a significant diplomatic crisis between the two nations, with Maduro's remarks reflecting a defiant stance against U.S. actions.
Speaker Johnson says second Venezuela boat strike 'entirely appropriate' after seeing classified video
PositiveU.S News
Speaker Johnson defended the recent military strikes on a Venezuelan drug boat, labeling the actions as 'entirely appropriate' after reviewing classified video evidence. This statement follows the controversial second strike that has drawn significant scrutiny and debate regarding its legality and ethical implications.
‘I hope he loses’: Trump blasts Indiana Republican Senate leader after his state redistricting effort gets blocked – live
NegativeU.S News
Indiana Republicans have blocked a redistricting effort that would have favored their party, prompting former President Trump to express his disapproval, stating he hopes the Senate leader responsible loses in future elections. This rejection signifies a notable shift in the state's political landscape, distancing local Republicans from Trump's influence.
White House says U.S. intends to seize oil from tanker captured near Venezuela
NeutralU.S News
The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. The White House intends to hold the vessel at a Texas port while releasing the crew upon docking. This action marks a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region, part of an ongoing pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government.
White House doubles down on TikTok with 'Cabinet' account
PositiveU.S News
The White House has launched a TikTok account for the Trump administration Cabinet, as announced in a post on the social platform X. This initiative aims to engage with a younger audience through social media, with the first post featuring video clips highlighting the Cabinet's activities.
Democrats sound the alarm over escalation with Venezuela after US seizes oil tanker
NegativeU.S News
The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with the Departments of Defense and Justice, seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, a move that has raised alarms among Democrats regarding potential escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations. This action is part of the Trump administration's ongoing pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro's regime, which has been characterized by increasing military operations in the region.
US won't 'stand by and watch sanctioned vessels', warns White House after tanker seized off Venezuela
NegativeU.S News
The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump, who stated that the U.S. will not tolerate sanctioned vessels operating freely at sea. This operation represents a significant escalation in U.S. military actions in the region, particularly against vessels associated with the Venezuelan government.
US set to seize tens of millions in Venezuelan oil after tanker interception, White House says
NeutralU.S News
The U.S. government has confirmed plans to seize oil from a Venezuelan tanker intercepted off the coast of Venezuela, as stated by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. This operation is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan regime, which the U.S. has accused of engaging in illicit activities.