Trump orders blockade of 'sanctioned oil tankers' into Venezuela, ramping up pressure on Maduro

France 24Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 4:38:13 PM
Trump orders blockade of 'sanctioned oil tankers' into Venezuela, ramping up pressure on Maduro
  • U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, escalating efforts to pressure Nicolás Maduro's government by targeting its primary revenue source. This directive follows the recent seizure of an oil tanker by U.S. forces, marking a significant increase in military actions in the region.
  • The blockade aims to further isolate Maduro's regime economically, as oil exports are crucial for Venezuela's economy. The enforcement of this blockade remains uncertain, including whether the Coast Guard will be involved in intercepting vessels.
  • This development reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the Maduro government condemning the blockade as a continuation of aggressive U.S. policies. The situation highlights the broader geopolitical struggle in the region, as the U.S. increases military presence and operations, while Venezuela accuses neighboring countries of complicity in these actions.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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