Overview
- Venezuela ordered naval escorts for multiple petroleum shipments departing the Port of José after the U.S. announcement, and PDVSA said exports continue, though reports describe delays and higher seizure risk.
- Trump reaffirmed the blockade and said he can strike cartel targets inside Venezuela without congressional approval, after House efforts to require authorization for such actions failed.
- China and Russia condemned the U.S. measures, the United Nations called for immediate de‑escalation, Brazil’s Lula offered to mediate, and Iran criticized the recent tanker seizure.
- The crackdown follows last week’s U.S. seizure of a sanctioned Venezuelan tanker near Venezuelan waters and a large U.S. naval buildup in the Caribbean.
- Chavista leader Diosdado Cabello warned no oil would go to the United States if Venezuela is attacked, even as Chevron’s licensed flows and some non‑sanctioned shipments continue.