U.S. President Donald Trump announced this week an unprecedented maritime blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers bound for or departing from Venezuela, intensifying Washington's decade-long pressure campaign against Caracas. The move follows the December 10 seizure of a Venezuelan-flagged tanker by U.S. authorities in Caribbean waters.
In a Truth Social post dated December 17, 2025, Trump accused Nicolás Maduro's government of 'theft of our Assets' and involvement in terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. The declaration designates Venezuela as a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization' – a classification experts say could complicate third-party engagements with Caracas.
The blockade directive comes as global energy markets remain volatile, with Brent crude prices fluctuating between $92-$97 per barrel this month. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, though production has stagnated at 780,000 barrels per day in 2025 according to OPEC estimates.
Regional analysts suggest the move could strain U.S. relations with Caribbean nations dependent on Venezuelan fuel subsidies through the Petrocaribe program. The Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to comment on whether the blockade would affect Beijing's energy cooperation with Caracas.
