Overview
- President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete” naval blockade on sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela and said the objective is to get back U.S. oil and other assets he claims were taken.
- Venezuela ordered the Bolivarian Navy to accompany departing vessels carrying petroleum products, with initial escorts reported for ships that are not on Washington’s sanctions list.
- Reports indicate U.S. forces seized a tanker identified as the Skipper off Venezuela’s coast, heightening concerns over direct encounters at sea.
- The White House has labeled the Maduro government a foreign terrorist organization, PDVSA says exports and loading continue, and separate reporting notes many shipments remain paused over fears of interdiction.
- China and Russia criticized Washington’s pressure, Brazil called for dialogue, the U.N. urged restraint, and Mexico is seeking a regional front to mediate as analysts highlight a major U.S. naval buildup but limited signs of preparations for a ground invasion.