U.S. Coast Guard 'in active pursuit' of third vessel off Venezuelan coast

The Trump administration has expressed a desire for U.S. oil companies to return to Venezuela, a country rich in oil reserves. However, many companies are hesitant to reinvest due to the ongoing political instability and economic challenges that have plagued the nation, leading to a significant decline in oil production.

Venezuela has enacted a law imposing severe penalties on individuals supporting the U.S. blockade, a move that reflects the government's strong opposition to what it describes as illegal acts of piracy by the U.S. This legislation comes amid escalating tensions following the recent seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by U.S. forces.

In 2025, gold prices surged by 70%, reaching record highs, while Bitcoin experienced a decline of 6% following a rapid sell-off in October. This stark contrast highlights the diminishing appeal of Bitcoin as a store of value amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

In Caracas, motorcyclists dressed as pirates protested against U.S. President Donald Trump's recent actions targeting Venezuelan oil tankers, reflecting widespread discontent over the U.S. blockade and seizures of vessels linked to the Maduro government.

President Trump announced that the U.S. will either keep or sell oil seized from Venezuela, emphasizing the country's ongoing military operations against sanctioned oil tankers. This statement follows the interception of multiple tankers linked to Venezuelan oil, marking a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure the Maduro regime.