United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, urging him to step down amid escalating tensions over Venezuela’s critical oil reserves. The announcement comes as the US Coast Guard continues its pursuit of a third oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, part of Washington’s ongoing effort to enforce sanctions and restrict Maduro’s access to revenue.

Trump’s Warning to Maduro

Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday, flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Trump emphasized that Caracas would face severe consequences if it resisted US pressure.

“If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough,” Trump said, suggesting that Maduro’s continued leadership could have dire consequences.

Trump also indicated that the US would retain the nearly four million barrels of Venezuelan oil and two seized ships, stating:

“Maybe we’ll sell it. Maybe we’ll keep it. Maybe we will use it in the strategic reserves. We’re keeping it. We’re keeping the ships also.”

The US president described Venezuela’s oil sector as a central focus of Washington’s policy, highlighting both strategic and economic considerations.

Ongoing Coast Guard Operations

The US Coast Guard has been actively tracking Venezuelan tankers believed to be part of a “dark fleet,” used by Caracas to circumvent sanctions. This marks the third tanker under pursuit in recent weeks, following the seizure of two vessels carrying millions of barrels of crude oil.

The US military has also carried out more than two dozen strikes on vessels suspected of involvement in drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, resulting in over 100 casualties, according to critics.

Venezuela’s Response

Maduro responded to Trump’s threats during a televised speech, asserting that the US president should focus on domestic issues rather than interfering in Venezuela.

“He would be better off in his own country on economic and social issues, and he would be better off in the world if he took care of his country’s affairs,” Maduro said.

Venezuelan officials condemned the US actions as “international piracy” and warned that the blockade would disrupt global oil and energy markets, negatively affecting Latin America, the Caribbean, and vulnerable economies worldwide.

Foreign Minister Yvan Gil read a statement from Maduro asserting that Venezuela is committed to defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and resources under international law.

International Reactions

The Trump administration’s actions have drawn strong rebukes from Russia and China. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed “deep concern” over US operations and reaffirmed Moscow’s support for the Venezuelan government. China’s Foreign Ministry described US measures as a “serious violation of international law” and urged respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Both nations emphasized that US interference could destabilize international energy markets and regional security, echoing Maduro’s warnings regarding the global impact of the blockade.

Implications for Global Oil Markets

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and the US campaign against Caracas has heightened concerns about international energy supply and market volatility. Analysts warn that continued vessel seizures, blockades, and military pressure could exacerbate global oil price instability, affecting economies far beyond Latin America.

The situation has prompted a scheduled United Nations Security Council meeting, requested by Venezuela and supported by Russia and China, to address escalating tensions in the region.