Overview
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the quarantine remains in force and that sanctioned vessels heading to or from Venezuela will be seized with court authorization.
- He said U.S. forces in the region can stop sanctioned ships, framing the measures as leverage to push Venezuela to cut ties to Iran, Hezbollah and Cuba and to curb drug trafficking.
- Rubio predicted “dramatic interest” from Western, non‑Russian and non‑Chinese oil companies if conditions allow a return, while noting that only Chevron currently operates under a special license.
- He described Venezuela’s oil sector as decrepit “pirate operations” enriching regime cronies and said the blockade stays until changes advance U.S. interests and improve prospects for Venezuelans.
- Morning Brew reported that Treasury’s sanctions initiative lists more than 50 vessels and that analysts expect little impact on global oil supply but severe strain on Venezuela’s economy.