Trump Orders Blockade on Venezuelan Oil Tankers Amid Tensions

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US President Donald Trump has declared a "total and complete" blockade on sanctioned oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuela. In a dramatic announcement on Truth Social, Trump accused Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro's government of terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking, adding to the intense pressure already on the Maduro administration.

This announcement follows a week after the US seized an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast. Adding to the economic tensions, the price of US crude oil rose to around $56 a barrel, a 1.3% increase, after Trump's statement. The blockade is part of a wider strategy, with Trump claiming that Venezuela is "surrounded" by the largest naval armada in South American history.

The move has sparked further allegations against Maduro's government of using stolen oil to fund criminal activities. The Trump administration has a history of accusing Venezuela of drug smuggling, leading to numerous military actions against vessels allegedly transporting narcotics. The increased presence of US warships in the region has further heightened tensions.

The ongoing conflict between the US and Venezuela has been underlined by recent sanctions against six ships involved in Venezuelan oil transport and sanctions targeting Maduro's associates. The US seized the tanker Skipper off Venezuela's coast last week, accusing it of illicit oil transport. The Maduro government has condemned the action as theft and kidnapping by the US.

The US military's increased presence in the Caribbean, with assets such as the USS Gerald Ford now within striking range, indicates the seriousness of the situation. These developments reflect prolonged US efforts under Trump's and President Joe Biden's administrations to challenge Maduro's rule, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways:

• US President Trump announces a full blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers.
• Tensions rise with a military presence and increased oil prices.
• Sanctions and naval posturing emphasise the ongoing US-Venezuela conflict.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-17