U.S. Seizes Tanker in Venezuela Showdown

U.S. forces have seized an oil tanker near Venezuela in a major escalation against the government of Nicolás Maduro. The vessel was taken while heading eastward. It had recently transported Iranian oil, according to officials. This military action is part of President Trump’s pressure campaign against Maduro. The U.S. and dozens of other nations do not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president. The seizure directly targets a key source of revenue for Maduro’s government: oil exports.