Trump Imposes Total Blockade on Venezuelan Oil Tankers Amid Ongoing Tensions

Wed Dec 17 2025 08:27:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent directive, President Trump has ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers associated with Venezuela, labeling the Maduro government as a foreign terrorist organization.

US President Donald Trump has called for a 'total and complete blockade' of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, citing allegations against the government of Nicolás Maduro for terrorism, drug trafficking, and human rights abuses. This comes shortly after the US seized a vessel near Venezuela, intensifying the already strained relations between the two nations. The blockade is supported by increased military presence in the region, further escalating tensions as Venezuela decries US actions as attempts to seize its resources.

US President Donald Trump has announced a total and complete blockade against all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. This bold statement was made through a post on Truth Social, where he described the Venezuelan leadership under Nicolás Maduro as a foreign terrorist organization, accusing it of engaging in theft, terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

Trump stated, Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela, underscoring a decisive approach amidst rising geopolitical strains.

This directive arrives just a week after the US successfully seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. In response to this announcement, the Venezuelan government has yet to provide an official reply.

In his post, Trump claimed that Venezuela was surrounded by what he referred to as the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America, which he asserted would only grow in number and strength.

Continuing his criticism, he accused Maduro's regime of using seized oil resources to fund various criminal activities, including drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping.

The Trump administration has frequently condemned Venezuela for its role in drug trafficking. This is particularly significant following military actions in recent months that resulted in the deaths of at least 90 individuals associated with boats allegedly transporting illegal drugs to the US.

As tensions flare, the US has bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean, positioning thousands of troops and the USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, within the vicinity of Venezuela.

Moreover, sanctions were recently expanded to include six additional vessels linked to the Venezuelan oil trade, along with restrictions targeting select relatives of President Maduro and enterprises within what the US characterizes as Maduro's illegitimate regime.

Venezuela, rich in oil reserves, has repeatedly condemned the US actions as aggressive moves aimed at stealing its natural resources, which complicates the ongoing narrative of international relations in the region.