U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tankers in Atlantic Show of Force

The United States has seized two Venezuelan oil tankers in international waters. The back-to-back seizures happened in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. This action enforces U.S. sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry. It signals that Washington's economic pressure campaign against Caracas remains active. The move follows a recent announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump. He stated a deal was made with Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, to send millions of barrels of oil to the U.S. American media reports reveal strict U.S. conditions for Venezuela. To export more oil, Caracas must reportedly agree to send its heavy crude exclusively to the United States. The U.S. also demands Venezuela cut major economic ties with Iran, China, and Russia. These nations are key allies of the Venezuelan government.