U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela in Escalation of Pressure on Maduro Regime

The Wall Street JournalThursday, December 11, 2025 at 2:48:00 AM
U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela in Escalation of Pressure on Maduro Regime
  • The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a significant escalation in the pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro's regime. This action occurred shortly after the country's opposition leader departed on a boat, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela.
  • This development underscores the Trump administration's intensified efforts to isolate Maduro, who has been accused of drug trafficking and authoritarian governance. The seizure is part of a broader strategy to destabilize his government and support opposition forces.
  • The seizure reflects a larger pattern of U.S. military and diplomatic maneuvers aimed at Venezuela, including increased military presence in the Caribbean and designating Venezuelan entities as terrorist organizations. This escalation raises concerns about potential military conflict and the humanitarian implications for the Venezuelan population.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Continue Readings
‘I hope he loses’: Trump blasts Indiana Republican Senate leader after his state redistricting effort gets blocked – live
NegativeWorld Affairs
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.
Putin backs Maduro amid standoff with US
PositiveWorld Affairs
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid escalating tensions with the United States, particularly following a recent military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean region. This support comes as the U.S. has intensified its pressure campaign against Maduro's regime, including the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.
US sanctions six more ships after seizing oil tanker off Venezuela
NegativeWorld Affairs
The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump, which the White House plans to transport to a U.S. port to seize the oil onboard. This action has been condemned by Caracas as an act of 'international piracy.'
White House says U.S. intends to seize oil from tanker captured near Venezuela
NegativeWorld Affairs
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.
Tens of thousands evacuate as rains swell rivers in US and Canada
NegativeWorld Affairs
Tens of thousands of residents in western North America are under evacuation orders as heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, particularly affecting Washington state and British Columbia. Authorities continue to warn that water levels are rising, and the risk of flooding remains high following several days of intense storms.
From Venezuela to Ukraine, Trump is shaking up American diplomacy around the world
NeutralWorld Affairs
The Trump administration is reshaping American diplomacy, particularly regarding its relationships with Europe, as discussed in a recent NPR episode featuring correspondents Greg Myre and Eleanor Beardsley. The focus is on the evolving U.S. stance towards Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia and the implications for European alliances.
Ukraine Pitches Trump on Vision for Peace, but Tensions Over Territory Remain
NeutralWorld Affairs
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is engaging with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders to discuss a vision for peace amid ongoing territorial tensions with Russia. This dialogue comes as European leaders are pushing for a more assertive stance from the U.S. regarding Ukraine's situation.
Is the US interested in Venezuela's oil?
NeutralWorld Affairs
The U.S. military has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, amidst ongoing tensions in the region.