US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker, Moves It to US Port

In a dramatic escalation of pressure on Venezuela, the United States has seized a Venezuelan oil tanker and plans to bring it to an American port. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed on December 11, 2025, that the vessel, widely reported to be the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Skipper, would remain in US custody along with its oil cargo.

“The vessel will go to a US port, and the United States does intend to seize the oil,” Leavitt told reporters, noting that all actions would follow proper legal procedures. She also suggested that additional seizures of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean are a possibility in the coming weeks.

The operation is being viewed by observers as a significant step in the US campaign of economic and military pressure against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

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Skipper Tanker: Background and Sanctions

The Skipper tanker was sanctioned by the US in 2022 for allegedly transporting oil for Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah, a Lebanese military group backed by Iran. According to British maritime risk firm Vanguard, the tanker was identified off Port Jose, Venezuela, using satellite imagery and Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking.

Caracas immediately denounced the seizure as an act of “international piracy,” reflecting escalating tensions between the two nations.

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US Military Buildup in the Caribbean

The seizure coincides with a notable US military presence in the Caribbean. Since September 2, 2025, the Trump administration has carried out 22 strikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These operations reportedly killed at least 87 people, drawing criticism over potential violations of international law.

President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to extend these strikes to land-based operations in Venezuela, citing intelligence on smuggling routes and criminal networks. Experts, however, question claims that Venezuela is a primary source of drugs entering the United States.

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Russia Affirms Support for Venezuela

In response to US actions, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Maduro on December 11, expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people. According to the Kremlin, Putin reaffirmed support for Venezuela’s sovereignty and national interests in the face of mounting external pressure.

Venezuelan officials described the call as a reaffirmation of “strategic, solid, and growing bilateral relations” between Moscow and Caracas. Russia and Venezuela have maintained strong diplomatic ties, while Venezuela also sustains close relationships with China and Iran.

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International Implications

The US seizure of the Skipper tanker reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Venezuela’s oil reserves and global alliances. Critics argue that US actions aim to facilitate access to Venezuela’s oil for Western companies, a charge denied by US officials.

With allies dwindling in Latin America—currently limited to Cuba and Nicaragua—Venezuela is increasingly relying on partnerships with global powers like Russia and China to counterbalance US pressure.

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What Comes Next

White House officials have not ruled out additional maritime seizures, signaling a continuation of the aggressive US policy toward Venezuela. Analysts expect that both legal and military strategies will remain central to Washington’s approach, heightening the risk of further confrontation in the Caribbean.

As this situation unfolds, the seizure of the Skipper tanker marks a key flashpoint in Venezuela-US relations, highlighting the intersection of energy politics, international law, and global diplomacy.