Venezuela Defies U.S. With Navy Escort for Tankers

The Venezuelan navy is now escorting fuel tankers into its ports. This move directly challenges a U.S. threat to blockade the country. President Donald Trump recently ordered a naval blockade around Venezuela. The goal is to stop tankers carrying Iranian fuel from reaching the South American nation. Both Iran and Venezuela are under heavy U.S. sanctions. According to reports, Pentagon officials were surprised by the order. They are now urgently planning how to carry it out. Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has vowed to resist any U.S. action. He says the Iranian fuel is vital for his country's economy. The Venezuelan navy's escort operation is the first major act of that resistance. The situation increases the risk of a direct confrontation at sea between the U.S. and Venezuelan forces.