US President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping action to prevent sanctioned oil tankers from entering or leaving Venezuela, sharply escalating Washington’s campaign to restrict the country’s energy exports and pressure the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
The directive authorises US authorities to stop and seize oil tankers that are subject to American sanctions and are operating in Venezuelan waters. The White House described the move as a necessary step to block what it says are illicit oil sales that provide critical funding to the Maduro government.
US officials said the order follows the recent interception of a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude and reflects a broader effort to shut down shipping networks that continue to transport oil despite existing sanctions. Since the announcement, several tankers have reportedly remained anchored offshore or delayed departures amid concerns they could be targeted.
The administration has linked Venezuela’s oil trade to criminal activity including drug trafficking and organised crime. Officials argue that cutting off maritime exports is essential to weaken those networks and restore pressure on Caracas to meet democratic and security demands.
The decision has raised legal and diplomatic questions, with some analysts noting that the use of the term blockade traditionally implies a military act. US officials have avoided that label in formal documents, instead framing the action as enhanced sanctions enforcement under existing authorities.
Global energy markets reacted cautiously, with oil prices rising as traders assessed the potential impact of reduced Venezuelan supply. While Venezuela’s exports are limited compared with major producers, any sustained disruption could tighten supply at a time of broader geopolitical uncertainty.
Venezuelan officials condemned the move, calling it an act of aggression and warning it would further damage the country’s already strained economy. Caracas said it would seek international support to challenge what it described as an unlawful action.
The order marks one of the most aggressive steps taken by Washington against Venezuela’s oil sector and signals a further hardening of US policy as tensions between the two countries continue to deepen.
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