The United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas amid President Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign of pressure on the South American nation. The operation, led by the US Coast Guard, was confirmed by members of the Trump administration on Wednesday afternoon.

Details of the Oil Tanker Seizure

President Trump announced the seizure at a White House event, describing the vessel as “large, very large—the largest one ever seized.” He provided few details about the tanker’s ownership or the circumstances of the operation, stating:

“I assume we’re going to keep the oil.”

The Venezuelan government condemned the move, calling it a “blatant theft” and an “act of international piracy,” and vowed to defend its sovereignty and natural resources while denouncing the US before international bodies.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the tanker was seized for transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, claiming it was part of an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. A video released by Bondi showed US soldiers rappelling onto the tanker from military helicopters. The operation involved the Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security, and the Coast Guard.

Escalating US-Venezuela Tensions

The tanker seizure marks a further escalation in an already volatile relationship. Since beginning his second term, Trump has intensified threats against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, deploying military forces to the southern Caribbean, including the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group.

Under Trump, the US has also conducted lethal strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, reportedly targeting vessels originating from Venezuela. These strikes have killed at least 87 people across 22 boats, and Trump has repeatedly threatened to extend military operations on land.

Maduro has accused the US of seeking regime change, responding with his own military buildup along Venezuela’s coast. Oil exports remain a crucial source of revenue for Venezuela, with over 900,000 barrels per day exported last month. The tanker seizure contributed to a spike in oil futures.

Previous Sanctions Enforcement

The Trump administration’s actions follow a history of US seizures linked to Venezuela. In February 2024, a cargo plane sold by Iran to Venezuela was confiscated under sanctions violations. In 2025, the US seized a Dassault Falcon 2000EX jet tied to a state-run Venezuelan oil company, prompting Caracas to denounce the confiscation as “brazen theft.”

Trump has also closed Venezuelan airspace to foreign airlines, further limiting commercial access to the country. His confrontational approach toward Maduro dates back to his first presidential term, including a multimillion-dollar reward for Maduro’s arrest.

Domestic and International Reactions

The seizure has drawn domestic and international criticism. Two United Nations experts recently expressed concern over US pressure on Venezuela. Polling shows mixed views among Americans: a November survey by The Economist and YouGov found only 17 percent support military action to overthrow Maduro, while 45 percent opposed. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated 48 percent opposed US targeting of alleged drug vessels, although 45 percent supported force to curb drug trafficking.

Trump confirmed he had not spoken to Maduro since the tanker’s seizure, despite earlier communications between the leaders.

The operation signals a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations, highlighting the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to sanctions enforcement and regional influence.