President Donald Trump has imposed a "total and complete blockade" on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, escalating tensions with the Maduro regime in an effort to curb its oil revenue and influence.
Following the U.S. seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker earlier this month, the Coast Guard has intercepted multiple vessels, signaling a firm commitment to enforcing the blockade.
The Trump administration has designated Maduro's government as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, accusing it of financing threats to U.S. interests through oil profits.
This aggressive stance is backed by a significant military buildup in the region, characterized by the largest naval armada seen in South America, marking a potential turning point in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
Maduro's administration has condemned the blockade, promising to protect its oil tankers with the Venezuelan Navy, while international critics question the legality and potential repercussions of U.S. actions.
As oil prices rise in response to the blockade, the broader implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy continue to unfold, with calls for restraint and a measured approach from various political figures.