Rand Paul: U.S. Tanker Seizure a "Prelude to War"

U.S. Senator Rand Paul has sharply criticized a recent American military operation near Venezuela, calling it a dangerous step toward conflict. On Sunday, the Republican senator denounced President Donald Trump's order to intercept oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. says the tankers were carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela, violating sanctions. Paul called the mission a "prelude to war." He argued that seizing another nation's fuel shipments is an act of war traditionally. The operation involved U.S. prosecutors obtaining a warrant to confiscate the cargo. Four ships were seized, and their fuel is now being sent to the United States. Both Iran and Venezuela are under heavy U.S. economic sanctions. The Trump administration opposes the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Paul, a longtime critic of military intervention, warned that such actions could lead to a larger, unintended war. The White House has not yet responded to his comments.